§ 22. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Minister of Health when the plans for a new dental hospital were forwarded to him by the United Birmingham Hospitals Board; and what modifications of the plans have been suggested by him.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithSketch plans were sent on 3rd July, 1956; the modifications suggested to the board of governors consist of a proposal to reduce the size of the building with a view to reducing cost, and a number of detailed comments mainly of a technical nature.
§ Mr. YatesIs it reasonable, after plans have been considered for about two years, that the Ministry should hold up performance plans on the grounds of cost? Will the hon. Lady ask her right hon. Friend to take steps, when he visits Birmingham this week—as I am pleased to see he is to do—to see that no obstacle is placed in the way of the completion of this hospital at the earliest practicable moment?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI have every desire to see that it is built at the first practicable moment, and my right hon. Friend has said that he will be willing to look at this matter when he goes to Birmingham. However, it is fair to point out that when the estimate was first submitted we were given a figure of £600,000. Now that the plans have come in, the sum of £1,256,000 is wanted, which is more than double.