HC Deb 22 March 1965 vol 709 cc26-7
44. Sir R. Thompson

asked the Minister of Health whether, in his reconsideration of the hospital building programme, he will bear in mind the population increase forecast for the south-eastern area and resite his new hospital buildings close to the enlarged communities now being established.

Mr. K. Robinson

I am asking hospital Boards to take likely population changes into consideration in the review of the Hospital Building Programme. In the siting of all new hospital developments, the point made in the latter part of the hon. Member's Question will, I am sure, be taken into account.

Sir R. Thompson

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he would keep in the closest possible touch with his colleague the Minister of Housing and Local Government so that he will then see where these planning applications are coming along and get the information on which he can re-site the new hospitals in the most efficient possible way?

Mr. Robinson

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Lubbock

Will the Minister be kind enough to tell me how the regional boards can possibly take into account the future growth of population when there are no such estimates available at the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, as they have told me, in relation particularly to the new boroughs in Greater London?

Mr. Robinson

The regional boards have access to all the statistical projections of population. My Department is in contact with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and as soon as they have information, we shall pass it on.