§ 15. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Health what proportion of the increased expenditure on hospital accommodation which he recently announced will be spent in the West Midlands; and what plans for improved hospital accommodation for North Staffordshire are contemplated.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodUntil I have received and considered the proposals of all hospital boards, I cannot say how much of the new programme will be devoted to any particular area.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the right hon. Gentleman bearing in mind the prime importance of the West Midlands or, in particular, North Staffordshire, in the economy of the country, and will he indicate that an adequate proportion of the increased expenditure which is very much needed in the great industrial area of the West Midlands will go to that area? Will the right hon. Gentlemanmake an announcement shortly about that?
§ Mr. MacleodI will give the full information to the House as soon as I have got the details and allotted the necessary 10 priorities for all areas. Of course I understand the importance of the area to which the hon. Member refers. There are many other areas of great importance, too, and we must do as best we may to balance their conflicting claims.