§ 39. Mr. Wiggasked the Minister of Health what plans for improved hospital accommodation in Dudley and Stour- 1712 bridge are contemplated; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodFive schemes, costing in all more than£15,000, for improvements at three hospitals in the Dudley and Stourbridge group, are included in the regional hospital board's programme. The board also has under consideration a proposal for a major scheme for an out-patient and casualty department at Corbett Hospital, but I cannot say at present when this scheme is likely to start.
§ Mr. WiggIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Stourbridge we are all very disappointed because nothing has been done to get on with the erection of the out-patient and casualty departments at the Corbett Hospital? Will he do something to speed this up, because it serves a very wide area and the need is getting desperate?
§ Mr. MacleodI am very conscious of the need there, and I am sure the regional board will give this particular scheme substantial priority, but whether it will be high enough to figure in the first part of the regional board's list is something I do not know yet until I see its proposals.
§ Mr. SimmonsTrade unionists in the area—and this is a heavy industry area—are very much concerned about this matter and already the right hon. Gentleman has had representations from the Dudley and Stourbridge Trades Council on the matter. Will the right hon. Gentleman give weight to the opinion of trade unions?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, Sir, I will be very glad to do so.