HC Deb 31 May 1965 vol 713 cc1154-6
27. Mr. Hunt

asked the Minister of Health why the redevelopment plans for Bromley Hospital have been deferred; when he now anticipates this work will commence; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Loughlin

This decision was made by the South East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board in re-assessing the priorities of its building programme. I am not yet able to say when the work will start.

Mr. Hunt

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he cannot shrug off his responsiblities in that way? I recently visited Bromley Hospital and found a deep sense of frustration and despair at this delay among the surgeons and senior staff whom I saw there? Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that this cut is typical of the many cuts now being imposed in various parts of the country? Is not this a blatant betrayal of the Labour Party's election promises?

Mr. Loughlin

This really is nonsense, because my right hon. Friend has provided an extra £5 million for the hospital building programme. The responsibility for deciding priorities must rest with the regional hospital board. It is planned to spend about £100,000 on improvements in the Bromley area. We invest responsibility with the board, and we do not propose to depart from that policy.

Lord Balniel

My hon. Friend the Member for Bromley (Mr. Hunt) is absolutely correct. Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that the postponement since October, 1964, of 20 hospital building projects, each costing over £100,000, which were due to be started in 1965–66 has caused a very widespread sense of frustration? Can the hon. Gentleman say when the review of the hospital building programme, which is apparently delaying the building programme, is likely to be published?

Mr. Loughlin

There is a later Question on the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, but I can assure him that there would have been far greater cutting if we had not provided an extra £5 million.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Jennings.

Mr. Hunt

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I called the hon. Member for Burton (Mr. Jennings) before I was given notice.

Mr. Jennings

Does the Ministry ever veto a decision of the regional hospital boards? Does the Ministry ever reverse a decision of cancellation or postponement of hospital building, as in the ease of Burton-on-Trent, for example?

Mr. Loughlin

We provide the money, of course. [Interruption.] If the hon. Gentleman is going to get stupid about it, the taxpayer provides the money. Of course, the Government—

Mr. Jennings

On a point of order. When the Parliamentary Secretary refers to an hon. Gentleman getting stupid, I hope that he makes clear which hon. Gentleman he means.

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that we will spend time on it. Let us get the Question answered.

Mr. Loughlin

I want to make it perfectly clear that I was not referring to the hon. Member for Burton (Mr. Jennings). The Government must have some responsibility. The regional hospital boards determine the priorities within the regional hospital board areas.

Mr. Jennings

The hon. Gentleman has not answered the question. Does the Ministry ever veto a decision?