HC Deb 09 December 1957 vol 579 cc881-2
22. Mr. Albu

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a special capital grant to the North-East Metropolitan Hospital board for the purpose of rebuilding the maternity wards of North Middlesex Hospital.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I am not satisfied that, with so many other calls on the money available, this proposal should be given the priority suggested.

Mr. Albu

Is the Minister aware that this maternity unit, which draws patients from a large area—possibly including his constituency—has a very high reputation as a post-graduate teaching school but is housed in 1914–18 war Army huts, which are quite unsuitable for use as a maternity unit?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I am sure the hon. Member appreciates that the question of priorities within the regional allocation is one for the regional hospital board. This hospital, as he will know, has had a good share of the resources of the central fund for major capital works.

Dr. Summerskill

As one who served on this hospital committee for seven years—some twenty years ago—I know that at that time this work was considered to be of a priority nature. Will not the Minister reconsider what he has said, because my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Mr. Albu) is quite right; this hospital is situated in one of the most congested areas of London?

Mr. Walker-Smith

Yes, but the right hon. Lady will appreciate that this is primarily a question for the regional hospital hoard, which has not included the rebuilding of the maternity wards in the short list of major schemes it has recommended for my consideration. We have no doubt that it will seek to see that a new maternity department takes its proper place in the future schemes for the hospital.