HC Deb 23 July 1956 vol 557 cc24-5
34. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now make a statement regarding proposed building extensions to St. Luke's Hospital. Rugby.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

No proposals for the extension of this hospital have been submitted to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Johnson

Has the hon. Lady forgotten that a short while ago she invited me to put down a Question upon this matter? This is a most disappointing answer to me, and also to my constituents.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I may have invited the hon. Gentleman to put down a Question on his own area, but I am now giving him the information. The regional hospital boards are responsible for the planning in their areas, and, as the hon. Gentleman will know, the main problem here is less to provide extra beds than to staff the many existing closed beds. The regional hospital board is considering the general problem, but it has not submitted to my right hon. Friend any suggestions for the rebuilding of St. Luke's Hospital.