HC Deb 16 February 1959 vol 600 c26
45. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Health what are his plans to provide a new hospital at Leek, Staffordshire, in view of the fact that people living in the Leek and Cheadle areas now often have to travel long distances to the Potteries for treatment.

Mr. R. Thompson

I am informed that the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board is fully aware of the hospital needs of Leek, but specific proposals for development must await the completion of other and more urgent hospital projects.

Mr. Davies

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is growing pressure in the district for a hospital to serve the Cheadle and Leek area? Is he not further aware of the long distances which emergency cases often have to travel through having to go to the Potteries? I cannot think of anything more important for the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board to deal with than emergency cases from the hill country around the Leek and Cheadle area?

Mr. Thompson

I appreciate the hon. Member's anxiety, but I think we must agree that, in the first place, it is for the regional board to decide the relative priorities within its region.