§ 51. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Minister of Health whether the plans for a new out-patient department at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, have now been finally approved; and when it is proposed to commence the building.
§ Miss PittSketch plans have been approved and the regional board was authorised in October, 1959, to prepare working drawings and bills of quantities. I cannot yet say when building work will commence.
§ Mr. YatesIs the hon. Lady not aware that this is the sort of Answer which has been continually given and that the 29 fullest consideration has been given locally to this matter? It really is a scandal; it has been a scandal for the last twenty years. Can the Minister not give any hope that something will be done in the near future?
§ Miss PittSomething is being done. This is a major scheme, which was originally announced in 1956, not twenty years ago. Its cost is about £250,000. We have already accepted sketch plans, and, as I advised the hon. Gentleman, the regional board was authorised as recently as two months ago to go ahead with preparing working drawings.