§ 41. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health if he will give the total value of building projects proposed by local authorities and sanctioned by him under the terms of the circular on capital investment issued by the Minister of Housing and Local Government on 17th November; and how much of this total is in connection with projects on Tyneside.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithSo far local authorities have proposed, and I have undertaken to recommend for loan sanction, building projects to the value of £2.6 million. The figure for Tyneside is £32,150.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWill the right hon. Gentleman recognise that, in view of the amount of unemployment in the building trades and so on, this sum is deplorably small? Can he do anything to encourage hospital authorities further to speed up any projects they may have—for example, the development of mental health work, welfare services, and so on?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have no doubt that local authorities will take this interchange as a reminder of the possibilities in this regard. So far as I am aware, I have not failed to accept any scheme falling within the scope of my right hon. Friend's circular. Although it is not too late to submit them, further schemes should be submitted very quickly if they are to get within the terms of the circular.