§ 49. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health whether he will reconsider his decision to refuse permission for the building of an old people's hostel at Kenton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in view of the great need for further accommodation of this kind.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI regret that it is not yet possible to say when acquisition of the steel needed for this building can be authorised.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIf I could provide the right hon. Gentleman with a possible alternative scheme that made a smaller call on steel, would he reconsider the matter, in view of the very important consequences upon hospital accommodation elsewhere?
§ Mr. MacleodI cannot possibly commit myself, but steel, of course, is a major limiting factor in this field. I should be delighted to examine any suggestion the hon. Gentleman put forward.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDo I understand from that reply that there are no other factors that would hold up approval, apart from steel, and that, if I can satisfy the right hon. Gentleman about that, we could get the matter forward?
§ Mr. MacleodNo, Sir. I said that steel is a major factor.