§ 35. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health what progress has been made with setting up a plastic surgery unit to meet the needs of the industrial area of Tyneside.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodPlans are being considered for adapting the top floor of the Fleming Children's Hospital as a plastic surgery department for 16 to 20 beds, including an operating theatre. Elsewhere in the region, a 26-bed new unit has been opened at Northallerton, and a 53-bed unit at Middlesbrough is just starting operation.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the Minister aware that at present the facilities are spread over a great number of units, and in view of the fact that this is a heavy industrial area and of the economic importance of getting units started, will he give every encouragement to the opening of a really comprehensive unit?
§ Mr. MacleodI am, of course, aware of the urgency of plastic surgery.