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(Photograph) - This way out? The London School of Economics' decision-making process over whether to bid for the soon-to-be-vacant Bart's Hospital site will take an important step forward next week when the issue is debated by its powerful academic board. The LSE is anticipating its largest meeting since 1991, when more than 500 debated and approved the eventually-abortive bid for County Hall.

Should it pursue the site, the LSE is clearly the front-runner. Sir Ronald Grierson, chairman of the task force appointed to find a user for the site, said other bodies under consideration included the City Community Hospital and a proposed Institute for the Study of Aging. There would be space for both in addition to the LSE on the Bart's site, and they would complement LSE interests.