HC Deb 14 July 1949 vol 467 cc644-5
24. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Minister of Health when permission will be given to complete the building of Balderton Colony for mental defectives.

Mr. Bevan

Permission will be given as soon as the necessary supplies of labour and material permit.

Mr. Shephard

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this building was almost completed before the war, at great cost, and that it has been derelict now for nearly 10 years with the boiler houses flooded? Since it can accommodate about 400 patients, will he not give instructions for the work to be done immediately?

Mr. Bevan

The claims of this building are, of course, considered against the claims of other buildings, and a decision is taken on the relative merits.