To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will seek a report from Gloucester health authority regarding the extent of consultation during the partial closure of Over hospital.

The Community Health Council Regulations 1985, as amended, provide that a health authority need not consult on any variation of service if the authority

"is satisfied that, in the interest of the health service, a decision has to be taken without allowing time for consultation. In this circumstance the district health authority shall immediately notify the community health council of the decision".

This was the case in the partial closure of Over hospital, which was both urgent and temporary. The community health council was notified immediately of Gloucester district health authority's decision.I understand that if Gloucester health authority decides to make this temporary closure permanent, it will consult.