§ 38. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Health on what dates the bills of quantities in respect of the new area hospital at Truro were submitted; on what date tenders were invited; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PowellI understand the bills of quantities are nearly ready. Tenders will be invited as soon as the working drawings and bills of quantities have been approved.
§ Mr. HaymanIs the Minister aware that when one reads the reply he gave to the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. G. Wilson) last November it does not inspire any confidence that his statement last week that he would lay the foundation stone next May is likely to mature? Will he bear in mind that the foundation stone of the National Theatre has been laid for more than a decade and still stands as a lonely monument of unfulfilled promises?
§ Mr. PowellI have no intention that the foundation stone in this case shall be a lonely monument. Last November I expected having the bills of quantities by the end of May. There has been a two months' difference, but I do not expect that that will have any appreciable effect on the starting.