HC Deb 25 July 1955 vol 544 cc815-6
37. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Health if he is now able to make a statement concerning the delay in the phase three re-building at Stoney Stanton Road Hospital, Coventry; and what is the present position.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Some progress has been made on the contracts referred to in the answer I circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 25th April. Revised plans for Item No. 2, the kitchen, dining and clinical services block, have been received and approved and tenders were due to be received at the board's offices today. The board's amended proposals for Item No. 4, adaptations to provide additional wards, have been agreed in principle and Item No. 7, the adaptation of the disused boiler house to provide engineers' workshop and stores, has been approved. No further progress has been made with regard to Item No. 5, which is adaptations to the out-patient department, and Item No. 6, the new dental department.

Miss Burton

Is the Minister now saying that real progress is at last being made with the new ward? Is he aware that this is the most urgent need in Coventry, and would he make it quite clear?

Mr. Macleod

Yes. There are still two items, Item 5 and Item 6, on which we have made no progress. I should like to make it clear that the delay in those items does not mean the board cannot go ahead, as indeed it should, with the other items which form phase three of this particular scheme.