§ 20. Mr. W. R. A. Hudsonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the extension to Sutton Annexe, Kingston-upon-Hull, although generally designed for surgical cases, contains no operating theatre or accommodation for nursing staff, and that, as a consequence, the extension has now been designated for medical and children's cases for which there is no waiting list while surgical cases for which there is a long waiting list cannot be dealt with; and what steps he is taking to provide the necessary surgical facilities.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Iain Macleod)The Regional Hospital Board are considering temporarily allocating these beds for medical cases until they can provide an additional operating theatre. This and the nurses' accommodation will be provided as soon as details are settled and the work can be fitted into the Board's capital programme. Some of the new beds will be used for children because of the present deficiency of children's beds in the area.