§ 26. Mr. Remnantasked the Minister of Health whether construction of the Bracknell health centre will start in 1956.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)My right hon. Friend understands that plans for this centre are at a very early stage. No details have yet been sent to the Department.
§ Mr. RemnantWhen applications are received, will the hon. Lady please give precedence to the needs of the people of Bracknell over ease of administration by the hospital board?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithWe will, of course, bear all these points in mind.
§ Mr. HastingsIs not it highly desirable that experimental health centres should be produced in small towns such as this so that we may learn the value of health centres in different places? Am I not right in saying that there have been few, if any, health centres in small towns in the past?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI do not dispute that, but this is a matter for the local authority, taking into account all the local considerations, not only of the facilities or needs of the district but also of the position and, to an extent, the desires of the general practitioners.