§ 24. Mr. LI. Williamsasked the Minister of Health how many persons are on the waiting lists in the Royal Gwent and St. Woolas Hospitals, respectively.
§ Mr. Braine2,864 and 413 at the end of March.
§ Mr. WilliamsCan the hon. Gentleman say whether these waiting lists are increasing or decreasing and, if happily the latter, is the decrease fairly substantial?
§ Mr. BraineThe numbers show some decline since 31st March, 1962. I should add that my right hon. Friend is most anxious that the board should do everything possible in the interim to keep waiting lists down and to reduce the numbers still further.
§ 25. Mr. LI. Williamsasked the Minister of Health what is the most recent position in regard to the new construction of the Royal Gwent Hospital.
§ Mr. BraineThe boiler house and workshops are under construction. Tenders for the rest of Phase I have been received.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that as the result of the advent of the vast new steelworks at Llanwern just outside and the construction of other ancillary works in the area it is highly important that the construction of this hospital should be expedited by every means?
§ Mr. BraineYes, Sir. My information at the moment is that the work is expected to start on this part of the scheme in the late summer.