§ 48. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health what provision is being made in the 1956–57 estimates for the provision of an adequate casualty and accident unit at the Newcastle General Hospital.
§ Mr. TurtonNone, Sir.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIt is not high time that something was done about this serious condition, when more and more casualties are inevitably being taken into the present inadequate accommodation—a mere tin shed—and is it not a serious matter that the case should be treated in this way?
§ Mr. TurtonThe way in which the case is being treated is that the regional hospital board is examining what improvements can be made to the casualty department. I have been to see it myself, and I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is desirable that improvements should be made. It must be borne in mind, however, that there are other priorities in the region and that the board must try to fit all these improvements into the capital programme.