§ 29. Mr. Chapmanasked the Minister of Health what special conditions he attached to his permission for the erection of a new kitchen block at West Heath Hospital, Birmingham; and when he anticipates that erection will begin.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)My right hon. Friend has asked the regional hospital board to seek to reduce the cost substantially below the estimate they made to him. In answer to the second part of the Question, I am unable to add to the reply I gave the hon. Member on 4th June.
§ Mr. ChapmanIs this not rather urgent? Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that the hospital is right on the edge of the city and that it cannot provide canteen facilities for visitors out there until it gets this new block? Will she, therefore, do her best to prevent anything being put in the way of something speedy being done.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThere is no controversy between us on the need for this building. However, the original estimates were extravagant ones and, if we allow an extravagant scheme in one area, we deprive another area of something which it should have. The hon. Gentleman will be pleased to know that authority to invite tenders was given on 26th May.