HC Deb 12 May 1958 vol 588 cc2-3
1. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Health to make a statement on the progress made concerning the proposed general hospital at Coventry.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)

Acquisition of the site is nearing completion, and the regional hospital board is working on details of the accommodation required with a view to preparing sketch plans.

Miss Burton

As the Minister will be aware, this has been going on a very long time, though that is not his fault, but is he also aware that locally it is felt that it would be most helpful if the Ministry could act as a prod in this matter? Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us what the next step for him will be?

Mr. Walker-Smith

The position at the moment is that the board was given authority to acquire the modified site in August last year. The matter has been held up simply by differences of view about the ownership of certain of the lands, which has resulted in conveyancing difficulties. As to the rest, the basic considerations' affecting the plans for the hospital are being studied by a special committee of the board. Therefore, there is nothing for me to do at this moment, but if and when the matter comes before me again, I will certainly bear in mind its urgency.