44. Mr. B. Taylorasked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on the progress of work on the mental defectives hospital at Balderton, Nottinghamshire; and when the building will be ready for occupation.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodIt is expected that the first phase to provide 252 beds and central services will be completed in October, 1957. It is planned to start a second phase, which will provide a further 670 beds, in 1957, and this should be completed in 1961.
Mr. TaylorCould not this be speeded up? It is really an urgent matter for Nottinghamshire. There is a long waiting list of urgent cases of the type particularly referred to in the Question. Cannot the Minister give any hope that it will be completed or nearly completed before the date he has given?
§ Mr. MacleodThat is the date that has been given to me. I am quite ready to look at the progress to see whether we can possibly make it sooner.