§ 5. Mr. Nigel Daviesasked the Minister of Health in view of the fact that it is expected to be several years before a hospital is built in the new town of Harlow, what steps are being taken to ensure the opening of additional wards in Haymeads Hospital, Bishops Stortford and St. Margaret's Hospital, Epping, to meet the needs of the new town.
§ Mr. MarquandThe regional board hope there will be another 30 beds available by the end of the year at St. Margaret's Hospital. Efforts are being made to recruit additional nurses, on which the opening of other wards there and in the group which includes Haymeads Hospital depends.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the population of the new town of Harlow will reach at least 10,000 long before the new hospital is provided? Will the action he has mentioned be adequate to cope with the population?
§ Mr. MarquandI am well aware that it will take some time to build a new hospital. Meanwhile, 200 additional beds could be provided now if the nurses were available.