§ 59 and 60. Captain Soamesasked the Minister of Health (1) if he is aware of the inadequacy of the present catering facilities at Bedford General Hospital, South Wing; and how soon funds will be made available so that the catering department can be expanded to meet present-day needs;
(2) if he will now state how soon it will be possible to provide casualty and out-patients' departments at the Bedford General Hospital, South Wing, to meet present-day needs.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodBefore either of these extensions can be carried out, new boiler plant must be installed, and the regional hospital board has made provision for this in its plant replacement programme for 1956–58. The board hopes to start on new out-patients, casualty and pathology departments in 1957–58.
§ Captain SoamesWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that the position at the moment is very unsatisfactory? Is he further aware that when the hospital was built, catering facilities were provided for 126 people and that the hospital now has to feed 432 people, that the out-patients department was 824 built for 14,200 and that there are now 56,500 people? Does my right hon. Friend recognise that it is difficult for the hospital to carry out its duties in the present circumstances, and that as soon as it can get on with the work the better?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, indeed I recognise the need, and, as my answer makes clear, we are meeting the first phase of the development, which is the boiler installation, in the very first programme that we are putting forward. The other matters, with the exception of the catering provision, are covered by my answer, which I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will study.