§ 55. Sir J. Maitlandasked the Minister of Health on what date the final plans and costings for Boston Hospital will be ready, so that a decision may be given to begin building.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Charles Loughlin)Progress is being made, but I cannot yet give a date.
§ Sir J. MaitlandIs the Minister aware that we are not getting very far, because last year the hon. Gentleman said in answer to a Question of mine that he was getting out these figures as soon as he could, and that the moment would arrive when the hospital building could begin? We do not seem to have got any further. Cannot he hasten matters a little?
§ Mr. LoughlinI am aware that there has been a long and difficult history about this hospital, through 1957 and other years during the last Administration. There is difficulty now. The hon. Member knows that under the original plan the hospital was to cost £2 million plus. It is now at the figure of £5 million plus, and my right hon. Friend is considering the costing of it at the moment.