HC Deb 13 December 1954 vol 535 cc1359-61
13. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Royal Western Counties Hospital Group, with more than 1,800 patients, has spent only £8,000 on new capital works since 1948; and if, in the next financial year, he will reverse his recent decision and provide £50,000 from the special allocation for a 54-bed unit, at the Langdon extension.

Mr. Boardman

Can the Minister say whether the difficulty in the Manchester region is due to buildings or staff?

Mr. Macleod

To a certain extent, it is due to both. In the Manchester region, it is mainly buildings.

Following is the table

Mr. Iain Macleod

My information is that, since 1948, £14,246 has been spent on capital works at this hospital. In addition, a scheme for the reorganisation of the engineering services at Langdon extension will involve expenditure of about £14,000 this year and £30,500 next year. The scheme for a ward unit has been postponed because other schemes regarded by the regional board as more urgent have taken up the capital available for the purpose.

Mr. Collins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Hospital Group with 1,800 patients is spread over some 18 buildings, many of them very old; that it is doing wonderful work but is gravely handicapped through shortage of capital, and that in one case people are housed in a decrepit building part of which is used as a mortuary? Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this matter needs further consideration?

Mr. Macleod

I do not dissent from what has been said, and I will bear it in mind.

Mr. Nabarro

Can my hon. Friend say whether it is a proposal of the Boundary Commission to name a constituency "Taunton with Shoreditch and Finsbury?"

Mr. Collins

Will the Minister bear in mind that I, in common with all other hon. Members of this House, have an interest in people who need others to speak up for them?

Mr. Macleod

I should be very glad to consider these problems of the West Country in conjunction with the Members of Parliament concerned.

Mr. Nabarro

Hear, hear. Rub it in.