§ 29. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health if he will give an assurance that the proposed ban on new building will not affect the construction of a new old people's hostel at Kenton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, approval for which has already been given in principle.
§ Mr. CrookshankNo starting date had been allocated to this project before my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer's announcement,' and it is at present impossible for me to say when building is likely to start.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopAre we to understand that provided that the necessary detailed plans, which, I understand, have been submitted to the right hon. Gentleman's Department, are accepted, there will be no delay in proceeding with this scheme?
§ Mr. CrookshankIt all depends what is meant by delay. The Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that no new starting dates for building work will be granted during the next three months except for specially urgent schemes.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes the Minister agree that this is or could be regarded as a housing scheme, and provides housing accommodation for old people? In view of the pledge given in the Gracious Speech that special consideration will be given to the needs of elderly people surely some special consideration will be given to this scheme.
§ Mr. CrookshankI have just stated that no new starting dates will be granted during the next three months. I am not certain that the plans have reached the stage at which one could even give a starting date.
Miss WardIs my right hon. Friend aware that under the direction of the ex-Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health part of the accommodation for the chronic sick at Scaffold Hill was not proceeded with, and what is the difference between that and this scheme? Both provide accommodation.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopI beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.