To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list those health authorities which have leased hospitals to the private sector; and if he will list health authorities known by his Department to be considering such a move.

I regret that information of this kind is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance has been issued to health authorities about the leasing of hospitals to the private sector; and if he will make a statement.

Health authorities are aware of their responsibility to dispose advantageously of their surplus property. But they may grant short leases at the appropriate market rates on property awaiting disposal.