HC Deb 25 June 1956 vol 555 c27
36. Mr. Gibson

asked the Minister of Health how many projects for capital expenditure put forward by local health authorities have been refused consent, or a starting date denied during the year ending April, 1956; and what is the total amount of capital involved in these decisions.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Thirty projects at a total estimated cost of £340,000.

Mr. Gibson

Can the Minister tell me how many maternity and health centres are affected as a result of the figure which she has just given?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Not without notice, but if the hon. Gentleman likes to put down a Question I shall be only too pleased to annotate the types of building affected.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the fact that the Minister of Health showed sympathy with the Guillebaud Report, the chief recommendation of which was to provide capital expenditure for hospitals, can the hon. Lady say why this attitude is adopted at this stage?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The Guillebaud Committee repeatedly laid down the principle that, whilst many items might be desirable, they would have to conform to the general economic circumstances of the country, and that is the principle we are following here.