asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have received on the future of Alfred Morris House as a rehabilitation unit at Taunton; and what steps they are taking to implement a review. [HL189]

The department is aware of 13 letters received since June 2006 about Alfred Morris House.

On 5 July, the honourable Member for Taunton (Jeremy Browne) asked a question of the Prime Minister.

On 18 October 2006, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State had a meeting with Lord Morris of Manchester and the honourable Member for Taunton (Jeremy Browne) to discuss their concerns about the future of Alfred Morris House.

This is a local matter for Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust. It is the responsibility of local NHS organisations in conjunction with their strategic health authorities (SHAs) where necessary. The south-west SHA has advised officials that the service redesign also fits in with the stated aim of the hospital, of improving patients’ experience and making the hospital system more efficient. It is felt that the neurological rehabilitation service will benefit from being closer to other key hospital facilities and from greater integration of services overall. The SHA provides assurances that the trust will continue to provide a specialist comprehensive neurological rehabilitation service, which will continue to be delivered by staff with the appropriate skill, knowledge and experience.