HC Deb 06 May 1954 vol 527 cc575-6
40 Mr. Bowden

asked the Minister of Health if the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board has yet approved a scheme for the modification of the boilers of the Leicester Royal Infirmary; and on what date it is expected that the work will be commenced.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I am informed that the board are obtaining tenders for part of the scheme immediately and expect to be able to invite tenders for the remainder within a few weeks. It is not possible to state on what date the work will be commenced, but the board hope that the main portion of the scheme will be completed before next winter.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all over the country out-of-date hospital boilers are wasting coal and putting up maintenance costs quite unnecessarily? Will he bear that in mind in future, and the high cost of replacement, when making capital allocations to the regional boards?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, Sir. I said that in reply to a Parliamentary Question from the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop) a week or two ago.