§ 26. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Minister of Health whether he can state his reasons for withholding his sanction for the loan to be raised to supply the plant for the generating of electricity for the Brentwood (Essex) Mental Hospital; whether he is aware that this scheme was unanimously passed by the Essex County Council and the Borough of Colchester and can be proved to be the most economical; that his commissioners have complained and reported on the leakage of gas that can be continuously detected when visiting the institution; and whether he is in favour of the only alternative, that of refitting the whole of the institution with new gas piping?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINBefore giving a decision upon the application for sanction to a loan in this case, I have directed one of my engineering inspectors to visit the mental hospital and report fully upon the scheme. This visit will be paid at an early date.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at 554 present they are losing over £400 a year, and will he institute inquiries as soon as possible in view of the delay?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI was not aware that they were losing £400 a year, but it is obvious that before embarking on fresh capital expenditure we must be sure the scheme is a suitable one, and the visit of the inspector will be paid at an early date.