HC Deb 28 February 1955 vol 537 c1711
36. Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Health why there is no provision for new hospital accommodation, excepting for the projected mental hospital, in the area of the West Midland Regional Hospital Board in his new programme.

37. Mr. Snow

asked the Minister of Health why, in the new programme, plans for the construction of hospitals other than for mental purposes were not included for the Birmingham region.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I made it clear at the time that the list of projects I gave on 9th February was not comprehensive, and on receipt of proposals from hospitals boards I shall consider what other projects can be included.

Mr. Snow

Earlier this afternoon the Minister conceded to me that there was a very long delay in settling one relatively ordinary matter of bringing a hospital up to date? Is he aware, broadly speaking, that the public is very concerned about the omission of provision of new hospitals in the Midlands, and even taking the pre-war situation into consideration, does he realise that the Midlands have always been short of hospitals compared with older industrial areas?

Mr. Macleod

Apart from the mental hospital to which reference is made in the Question, I specifically indicated a new general hospital at Coventry, which is of great importance in this particular area. I cannot give the final answer about many large projects in the Midlands or anywhere else until the regional board's proposals are in front of me.