HC Deb 12 June 1952 vol 502 cc383-5
28. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Health whether any decision has yet been taken regarding the opening of the Park Hospital, Newsham Park, Liverpool; and when it is intended to proceed to make available this accommodation for aged and chronic sick, so badly needed in Liverpool.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Plans for this hospital have been approved, and tenders are awaited. It is not yet possible to indicate a date at which the accommodation will become available.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Minister aware that the starting date of 1st January, 1953, is far too distant and that we were without this accommodation in Liverpool all last winter, when it was most necessary? Judging from the date which has been given by his Department we shall be without the accommodation in the coming winter. Will he have another look at the matter and to see whether an earlier date can be agreed?

Mr. Macleod

I shall be glad to look at it again, but my information is rather different. A starting date cannot be agreed until tenders have been received and Treasury approval obtained.

Mrs. Braddock

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at it again, because my information is as I have stated?

38. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, although a considerable quantity of the steel required for the aged persons hostel at Beechley, Harthill Road, Liverpool, has been delivered to provide adequate central heating, an authorisation for three tons of steel to complete the work has been refused by his regional office in Manchester, and that the radiators are therefore useless; and if he will have the matter considered immediately, in view of the fact that approval to proceed with this much needed place was given on 16th April, 1951.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I regret that the steel available for schemes for providing accommodation under the National Assistance Acts is insufficient to enable me to authorise the acquisition of any for this hostel at present.

Mrs. Braddock

Will the Minister look at this matter again? Is he aware that the position is that the first part of this scheme was sanctioned in April, 1951, and that the radiators and boilers and part of the works are already in; that three tons of steel is needed to link them up so that heat can be provided; that on 29th March Manchester refused the allocation of steel but in May of this year the second part of the scheme was sanctioned to be proceeded with and that it is no use proceeding unless heating arrangements are there? It is silly and requires investigation.

Mr. Macleod

In these local matters I have to rely on the advice of the local region and I am informed that Beechley itself has been brought in partial use. I am also informed that, although this is an immensely desirable project, the limitation of steel is such that there are, in fact, others with a slightly higher priority.

Mrs. Braddock

It is such a waste of money.