HC Deb 25 June 1956 vol 555 cc25-6
43. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Health what difficulties are delaying the acquisition of a site, and the consequent provision of plans, for the proposed new district hospital at St. Austell.

Mr. Turton

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 18th June to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Truro (Mr. G. Wilson).

Mr. Hayman

Can the Minister say whether property owners are causing obstruction to the acquisition of the site? If so, will he say what he is doing about it?

Mr. Turton

No, Sir; I do not know that. All I know is that the Minister of Housing and Local Government has the matter of the site still under consideration.

Mr. G. Wilson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, following his answer to my Question last week relating to this hospital in my division, I have a Question on the Order Paper tomorrow dealing with the matter?

44. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Health what is the amount of the trust funds available for the first instalment of the proposed new district hospital at St. Austell, Cornwall; when he expects building operations to commence; whether further instalments will be financed out of funds available to the regional hospital board; when he expects the hospital to be completed; and what accommodation will then be available.

Mr. Turton

The regional hospital board hold a trust fund of about £90,000 and this sum will be increased if the West Cornwall Hospital Management Committee agree to use a bequest which they hold. Until the site is settled the Board cannot make progress with their plans, which will have to be discussed with my Department before a final decision is reached. I therefore cannot give any forecast of progress at this stage.

Mr. Hayman

Is the Minister aware that the people of Cornwall are very upset at the continued delay in the provision of this much-needed hospital, and will he do what he can to accelerate its provision?

Mr. Turton

I feel sure that the people of Cornwall recognise that we are at present going forward with the building of a hospital at Truro and also have this project under active consideration.