§ 42. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Health the percentage increase in the maintenance allocation to the East Anglian Regional Hospital Board for the current year over the estimated expenditure by the Board in 1954–55; and how this increase compares with those granted to other provincial boards.
§ Mr. Iain Macleod68 per cent., compared with an average of 56 per cent. for other provincial boards. No other provincial board has received as high a percentage increase.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWhilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask whether he is satisfied that the capacity of the hospitals is not being impaired by not granting the board exactly what it wants? Would he give an assurance that he is fully aware of the old-fashioned nature of many of the hospitals in the East Anglian Region?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, those are exactly the sort of matters we take into account. One of the reasons why the percentage increase is higher is the old buildings. Therefore they have been given a high allocation for arrears of building maintenance.
§ Mr. Edward EvansHas it now been decided to utilise the magnificent building of St. Luke's Hospital, Lowestoft, which has been lying fallow for 10 years?
§ Mr. MacleodI was asked that question some time ago by the hon. Member. There has been no change in the position.