§ 24. Mr. Marquandasked the Minister of Health when he intends to allow the Middlesbrough Health Authority to invite 891 tenders for the construction of a maternity and child welfare clinic at Park End, plans for which he has already approved.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonI fear I cannot yet make any promise when my right hon. and learned Friend will be able to recommend loan sanction for this clinic.
§ Mr. MarquandIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I last raised this question in an Adjournment debate as long ago as July, 1956? Is he aware that in this case people living in 3,500 new houses are completely without proper provision for maternity and child welfare? Does he realise that the local authority has to use a church and the only place in which patients can be examined is a screened-off portion of the ladies' lavatory? How much longer is a local authority to be compelled to give conditions like this to the mothers and children on new housing estates? At a time when office buildings and great new shops are going up all over Middlesbrough, the local authority is forbidden to look after the mothers and children of the area.
§ Mr. ThompsonPriority had to be given this year to schemes ready to start in 1956–57 which were stopped by the restrictions on investment in that year. My right hon. and learned Friend hopes that he may be able to recommend loan sanction in 1958–59, but this must not be regarded as a promise.
§ Mr. MarquandWill the hon. Gentleman tell his right hon. and learned Friend that all the drawings and everything else are ready for the work to start on this project which is badly wanted? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the whole area is disgusted at the lack of provision, and will he try to get this project into the early days of his programme for next year?
§ Mr. ThompsonI have no doubt that my right hon. and learned Friend will take note of the right hon. Gentleman's remarks.