HC Deb 28 June 1951 vol 489 c1557
14. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to repair and rebuild the bomb-damaged portions of St. Thomas's Hospital.

Mr. Marquand

Repairs have been in progress continuously since the hospital was damaged. Reconstruction will take place as rapidly as building and other difficulties permit.

Sir W. Smithers

Would it not have been much better, instead of pandering to Morrison's vanity, to have rebuilt St. Thomas's Hospital, instead of putting up a "Vanity Fun Fair "? Answer that one.

Earl Winterton

In view of the fact that the site of this hospital is situated in the very centre of London, and is a very historical spot, has not its present state a very bad effect on our prestige, since foreign visitors go by it? Is it not monstrous that, six years after the end of the war, this work is not finished? Will the Minister personally look into it?

Mr. Marquand

Yes, Sir. We have the plans in front of us, and they are being studied at the moment. I think that the start of the reconstruction will not be very far distant.