HC Deb 19 December 1955 vol 547 cc1635-6
39. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health what financial provision he will make for 1956–57 to enable the Newcastle Regional Hospital Board to meet arrears of repairs and maintenance and to enable it to employ the staff urgently required if efficient services are to be developed.

Mr. Iain Macleod

As I have already informed regional hospital boards, I hope to notify the allocations for their regions for 1956–57 about mid-February, 1956.

Mr. Blenkinsop

But is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there will be sufficient finance to enable the new schemes of capital development which he has approved to take place, and also to ensure that we can catch up on some of the backlog of work which has been waiting for so long?

Mr. Macleod

All these matters are very much in our minds, and we are at the moment in the middle of the ordinary negotiations with the regional boards and the Treasury on them.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is likely he will be able to answer this point more fully?

Mr. Macleod

I have already said in mid-February.

Dame Irene Ward

Will it be only in my right hon. Friend's mind or will it also be in hard cash to the regional hospital boards, especially in the North?