§ 23. Mr. E. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Health when work will begin on the new building to accommodate outpatients at the Victoria Memorial Cottage Hospital at Ashbourne.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI regret that I cannot say. I am informed that the Regional Hospital Board have approved the scheme in principle but that, because of other more urgent projects, they cannot yet fit it into their capital programme.
§ Mr. WakefieldIs my right hon. Friend aware that this hospital is admirably equipped and has a most excellent staff, but that those assets are wasted because accommodation for out-patients is so unreasonably cramped? Will be bring these facts to the notice of the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board?
§ Mr. MacleodI do not dispute those facts, and, of course, the Regional Board will see what my hon. Friend has said. The question of priorities must remain a matter for them.