§ 30. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Health if he will authorise the early construction of a new maternity hospital in Leicester.
§ 34. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the concern felt over the condition and inadequacy of the Bond Street Maternity Hospital, Leicester, which have progressively worsened for years; and if he will expedite the erection of a new maternity hospital in that area.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI am aware of the poor conditions in which the work of the Leicester Royal Infirmary Maternity Hospital is at present carried on. The Sheffield Regional Hospital Board will provide a new maternity unit for this hospital and hope that planning will be completed in time for building to start towards the end of next year.
§ Mr. FarrIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at probably no other maternity hospital in this country do the staff and patients have such conditions? Will he give the House an assurance that this projected construction date will not be delayed by any threatened governmental economies?
§ Mr. RobinsonNo, Sir. Before the building can start the hospital board has to obtain my approval to the final cost limit of the scheme, and then has to prepare working drawings and bills of quantities, and then it goes out to tender. I hope that as soon as it is ready to start it will be able to do so.
§ Sir B. JannerIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable concern 895 at the delay which has been caused in regard to the erection of the new building and the development of existing buildings over many years, and under the last Government in particular? Does he realise that this ought to be one of his first priorities? We must remedy the defects which have cropped up under the last Government.
§ Mr. RobinsonI recognise this as an urgent need.
§ Mr. FarrIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.