HC Deb 23 January 1963 vol 670 cc79-81
36. Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total capital expenditure involved in plans submitted to him by regional hospital boards which have not yet been given final approval.

Mr. Brooman-White

The major projects in the ten-year Hospital Plan are naturally at various stages of preparation, but none is being held up for final approval.

Mrs. Hart

Is the Under-Secretary aware that, although none may be held up at the moment for final approval, the regional hospital boards have a number of projects with which they are anxious to proceed and which are urgently needed? If a global sum were allocated by the Government for the purpose of expanding expenditure of this kind on the service, that would make a tremendous contribution in the unemployment crisis. Will he ask the Secretary of State to give consideration to this?

Mr. Brooman-White

The hon. Lady will be aware that additional expenditure on smaller capital works in areas with high unemployment has been authorised. She will also be aware of the steadily expanding expenditure on major programmes in the ten years hospital capital development plan.

Mr. McInnes

Will the hon. Gentleman indicate the total capital expenditure involved in the nine projects to which he referred?

Mr. Brooman-White

It varies between the boards' areas and in respect of the very differing priorities and needs, but the hon. Member will know that the programme for Scotland as a whole has expanded from £4 million last year to £5 million this year and £6.8 million for next year.

Mr. Ross

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we have been asking for and hoping to get an expanded programme of public works in view of the present unemployment situation? Is there any indication from the Government that we shall get that? Is he taking the opportunity of asking the Chancellor to help us in relation to burdens on local authorities which might crop up and impede such a programme?

Mr. Brooman-White

I have referred to what has already been done. I cannot add to that at present.