§ 8. Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Minister of Health whether he intends to increase the number of hospitals to be built in the 1964–74 programme.
§ 70. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health what are his proposals regarding the number of hospitals to be built in the 1964–74 programme.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonUntil hospital boards have reviewed their programmes and I have in due course considered their revised proposals, I cannot speculate on the number of hospitals likely to be built.
§ Mr. WalkerIs the Minister aware that in his original statement on this subject he asked the hospital boards to consider this in view of the resources which were available? Does he intend the resources to be greater than were originally estimated or less than were originally estimated?
§ Mr. RobinsonI am planning for the rate of expenditure on hospital building to increase over the period, but what resources are provided for hospital building are and must be related to the overall resources of the nation as a whole. The hon. Gentleman must realise that.
§ Mr. WoodCan the Minister now say when his review will be complete and when he will be able to make a statement?
§ Mr. RobinsonNot yet.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhen my right hon. Friend is giving further consideration to the matter of an increase in the number of hospitals, will he recall that I have frequently pointed to the need for a hospital in the area which I represent? Would he give that consideration?
§ Mr. RobinsonThis Question is in general terms. If my right hon. Friend has a question about a particular hospital, I hope he will be kind enough to table it.
§ Mr. ShepherdAs the date for starting Cheadle General Hospital has now regrettably been put back, are we to take it that the hospital programme under the present Administration will be slower than under the previous Administration?
§ Mr. RobinsonNo. It will certainly be faster, because, thanks to the £5 million extra we have got for the coming financial year, we shall be able to start all those programmes which are ready to start.