§ 39. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Minister of Health how many people are on the waiting list for a hospital bed in the towns of Leek, Cheadle, Biddulph, and Kidsgrove, in the Leek Parliamentary Division.
§ Mr. PowellThese towns are served by several hospitals, and the waiting lists are not analysed by place of residence.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the Minister aware that the area is served by several hospitals but that the North Staffordshire Infirmary serves the whole of the area? Can he say whether the waiting list compares favourably with the rest of the West Midlands? There is a feeling that we in North Staffordshire, which is a growing industrial area, are not getting the attention we deserve.
§ Mr. PowellIf the hon. Member is interested in the waiting list at the North Staffordshire Infirmary and will put down a Question, I will give him the Answer.
§ 40. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Minister of Health when a decision will be made for a new hospital in the Leek or Cheadle area; and when the project will be in service.
§ Mr. PowellI have received no proposals for such a project from the regional board.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the Minister aware that both public and Press are suggesting that a project such as this is to go forward for a new hospital either in Leek or in Cheadle, and does he realise that such a hospital is badly needed because of the distance to the main North Staffordshire Hospital? Will he ensure that the project receives favourable consideration in his Ministry, if at all possible?
§ Mr. PowellI have asked the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board, as I have asked all regional boards, to give me its view of work which ought to be commenced in the next ten years. I shall be interested to see its proposals for North Staffordshire.