In the living memory of the constituents of Hastings and Rye, there has always been an accident and emergency department in the constituency, but it is now under threat. Consequently, Mr. John Baker, Mrs. Margaret Baker and the Friends of the Conquest hospital have produced a petition, which I am happy to present. With the help of the Hastings & St. Leonards Observer, some 20,200 names have been added.

The petition states:

The Petition of John Baker, Chairman of Friends of the Conquest, and others,

Declares that the residents of Hastings and Rother, in the 60th year of the NHS, appreciate the services delivered at the local Conquest hospital.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to direct health authorities to ensure that any reorganisations will not involve the downgrading of existing services at the Conquest hospital or in any way compromise the accident and emergency service now provided.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

To lie upon the Table.