HC Deb 29 November 1965 vol 721 cc981-2
50. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Health to what extent the cutback in the Government's review of the hospital building programme is reflected in current and planned capital projects for North-East Essex.

Mr. K. Robinson

There has been no reduction in the total amount of money expected to be available for hospital building, and in the current year £5 million more has been provided than was included in my predecessor's plans. As regards projects in North-East Essex, I would ask the hon. Member to await my review of the hospital plan.

Mr. Ridsdale

Will the Minister assure the House that there will be no cut-back in the programme for North-East Essex, particularly because of the increase of elderly in that area? Will he see that provision will be made for future projects because of the very serious problem in that part of the world?

Mr. Robinson

It is for the North-East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board to settle the priorities of the capital programme within the resources which I can make available. I have already received the Board's review of the programme and I shall consider it with reviews of other boards.