§ 18. Mr. Bowdenasked the Minister of Health if he will now consider reversing the decision to refuse permission to the Leicester Royal Infirmary to construct new X-ray and casualty departments.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI regret that the limited capital resources available do not allow of this scheme starting at present.
§ Mr. BowdenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there will be great disappointment at his answer? Will he consider a scheme to start this work and perhaps so to modify it that timber can be used instead of some of the steel?
§ Mr. MacleodI am very disappointed that I cannot give a go-ahead to this scheme, which has been planned for a very long time. We are encouraging the authorities to proceed with the planning. The project has an extremely high priority and as soon as capital resources are available it will be given a go-ahead with the priority which is desired.
§ Mr. LewisHow much money is involved? What quantity of scarce materials is necessary to implement the scheme?
§ Mr. MacleodIt has not reached that stage. I should like to see that question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. JannerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people of Leicester are very deeply disturbed about the matter, particularly as much money was collected there for the hospital and as the scheme has been in contemplation for a considerable time? Is he aware that the project is highly essential to meet the needs of patients in Leicester? Will he do something better than say that at some distant time he will deal with the matter?
§ Mr. MacleodI think I covered the points which have been raised in my answer to the hon. Member for Leicester, South-West (Mr. Bowden). I am as disturbed about this as is the hon. Member and I am just as anxious as he is for the scheme to be given the go-ahead.