To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy to keep open Balligan house for the mentally handicapped.

This is primarily a matter for the Eastern health and social services board and the hon. Gentleman will be aware from his recent correspondence with the chairman of the board that it is currently reviewing the residential services for people with a mental handicap in North Down and Ards. I am sure that he will agree therefore that it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.