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Mr. William O'Brien: Will the Minister address the point about the historic debt from the transfer of

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neurosurgery, which will cost the trust about £3 million, when the transfer of the service is not the trust's responsibility?

Mr. Horam: I take the hon. Gentleman's point, but, in the transfer of the neurosurgical unit to Leeds, revenue is lost but so is cost; so that would not necessarily disadvantage Wakefield, considering the net position, balancing revenue and cost. However, the point was new to me, and I shall certainly investigate it and perhaps write to the hon. Gentleman. I am not sure that he is right: the situation is probably more balanced than he thinks.

The burns unit in Pinderfields is famous and, considering it alongside the other facilities that are available, the situation in Wakefield is extremely promising. The combination of primary development, in which Wakefield is well ahead of most other parts of--

The motion having been made after Ten o'clock, and the debate having continued for half an hour, Mr. Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Adjourned at twenty-eight minutes to One o'clock.

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