HC Deb 12 December 1955 vol 547 c822
54. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made on Item 4, adaptations to provide additional wards, in the phase three rebuilding at Stoney Stanton Road Hospital, in Coventry.

Mr. Iain Macleod

My Department's criticisms of the plans have not all been fully met, but the board has now been told that it can decide for itself whether or not it is worthwhile accepting the delay which would be involved in replanning to meet the outstanding points.

Miss Burton

Is the Minister aware how very unsatisfactory that answer is? Is he further aware that in Coventry we are told that he wishes to help but we have been waiting months for this money that he has given us to be spent? Would the Minister himself come and see the great need in Coventry for these new wards?

Mr. Macleod

I cannot give an undertaking on the last part of that question, but as to whether my answer is satisfactory or not, I should have thought that I had done everything I could to meet the regional hospital board. I have told the board that I do not think its plans are perfect and that they ought to be altered. I have also said that, in view of the delays that have taken place, if the board choose to go ahead with its original plans it may do so. There would be a substantial saving in time if the board elected to proceed on those plans, but I must record my opinion that I do not think that is the wisest course.