HC Deb 13 July 1959 vol 609 c14
29. Mr. W. Yates

asked the Minister of Health what are the new plans for the extension and general improvement of hospital facilities in Wellington. Shropshire, which have been sent to him by the East Shropshire Hospital Board for his approval; and when he intends to allow this necessary work to begin.

Mr. R. Thompson

Sketch plans have been approved for a new out-patient department at the Wrekin Hospital, and the regional hospital board has now been authorised to prepare working drawings.

Mr. Yates

I thank my hon. Friend for that valuable reply, but will he take into account the fact that the Midland Regional Board refused to accept the opinions of the local board and prepared plans which eventually were scrapped, and that the result has been a delay of two years in getting a start with this hospital?

Mr. Thompson

I think we must allow the regional board its head in these planning matters, but I am satisfied that the result of all this will be a great improvement in the hospital facilities about which my hon. Friend is rightly concerned.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will my hon. Friend at the same time look into the whole question of hospital services throughout Shropshire?

Mr. Thompson

I am continually doing so.