HC Deb 13 February 1967 vol 741 c71
12. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Health whether, as a result of his recent tour of Dorset, he will accelerate the programme of hospital replacement there.

Mr. K. Robinson

No, Sir. The regional hospital board decides priorities within the Wessex Region. Its intention is to provide new district general hospitals in the areas with large increases in population and to improve existing services in other areas.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

I welcome the right hon. Gentleman's interest in hospitals in Dorset, but during his visit was he satisfied that they are sufficiently up to date to be efficient?

Mr. Robinson

I am never satisfied with the hospital service as a whole, and I hope that we shall effect improvements here as elsewhere.