HC Deb 05 December 1966 vol 737 cc937-8
31. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Health why the proposed completion date for the new hospital at Clacton-on-Sea has now been put back to 1975

Mr. Loughlin

No starting or completion date has so far been suggested for the new hospital.

Mr. Ridsdale

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that by 1975 the Clacton area will have expanded by the equivalent of a new town, 25 per cent. of whom will be elderly? Does he think it right that only 40 extra beds are considered sufficient for such a new town?

Mr. Loughlin

That is hardly the Question on the Order Paper. Where there are population expansions of the kind the hon. Gentleman suggests, regional hospital boards will keep constantly under review the extra needs of the area concerned.

Mr. Ridsdale

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.