Written question asked by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 May 2001. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 May 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make it his policy not to approve a name for the new hospital under construction in Worcester before conducting a local consultation on the issue; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy not to approve a name for the new hospital under construction in Worcester before conducting a local consultation on the issue; and if he will make a statement. [158482] Yvette Cooper: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has a duty to consult in regard to significant changes to services, and will take account of all representations made to him regarding any such issues. However, in most circumstances the naming of a hospital is not generally viewed as a significant change, and is therefore usually a matter for local management. Where the proposed name of the hospital includes a royal name or title, including the title "Royal", sovereign approval must be received. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is responsible for offering advice to Her Majesty The Queen in this regard, taking account of views and information received from other appropriate Government Departments, as well as all other representations made to him.

Secondary information