HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc560-1
42. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Health in which new towns new hosiptals have been built.

44. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement with regard to the provision of hospital facilities for the new towns.

Mr. Iain Macleod

It is for the regional hospital boards to plan the development of hospital facilities, and I know that the boards for the regions concerned are aware of the needs of the new towns and take them into account. Present limitations on hospital capital development generally have so far prevented any large scale new building to meet these needs and no new hospital has been built. Meanwhile, reliance must be placed on existing hospitals, at many of which additional facilities have been provided.

Mr. Sparks

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a growing deficiency of hospital accommodation in the new towns, and that the building of new hospitals really ought to keep pace with the increase in population? Will he keep this matter under his very close attention, because the service is definitely lagging behind?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, certainly. I am well aware of the difficulties.

Mr. Robinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that special consideration has been given by all other Departments to other essential services in the new towns? Why is his Department falling behind in this respect? Is he aware that this is quite beyond the powers of any regional hospital board to cope with this problem out of their normal capital resources?

Mr. Macleod

Certainly, and in the region which the hon. Member has in mind I have agreed to meet a deputation to discuss this. It is true, of course, that the cost of a new hospital, which is now anything from £1 million to £4 million, is far too big for it to be possible for a region to provide from its own funds. When new building becomes possible it will have to be met out of central funds.