To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the provision of hospital services in rural areas.

Small hospitals can play a valuable role in providing a range of services if that is what is needed locally. Under the proposals of the National Health Service and Community Care Bill, district health authorities will have responsibility for ensuring provision of a comprehensive range of services for their resident population. They will be able to take full account of the services offered by small hospitals in deciding where to place contracts.