§ 35. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health whether he will make a further statement as to when a new accident and out-patient department can be started at the Newcastle General Hospital.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am unable to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 15th November of last year.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the Minister aware that this is a rather unsatisfactory position, as a great deal of development is taking place at this hospital for regional needs for pathological and other matters without provision for such urgent matters as accidents and out-patient treatment, which is being woefully deferred? There is great anxiety because of the lack of provision in this regard.
§ Mr. MacleodThose matters are in the mind of the regional board. I understand that it is shortly to consider what to do about this project but has not yet fitted it into its programme.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWould the Minister at least consider providing that relatively small increase in capital grant needed to enable this work to be done within the current financial year?
§ Mr. MacleodI will look at any claim any region chooses to put to me.