HC Deb 02 May 1955 vol 540 c1336
35. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked 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 Macleod

I am unable to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 15th November of last year.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is 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. Macleod

Those 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. Blenkinsop

Would 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. Macleod

I will look at any claim any region chooses to put to me.