HC Deb 26 June 1967 vol 749 c72
34. Mr. Molloy

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the distress caused to residents of Claybrook Road, London, S.W.6, due to the demolitions and problems of rehousing caused by the proposed extensions to Fulham Hospital now allied to Charing Cross Hospital; and if he will instruct the regional hospital board to take steps to minimise the inconvenience caused to local residents.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Julian Snow)

My right hon. Friend is taking action on a report by the Charing Cross Hospital authorities following their recent meeting with the residents. He hopes that the result can be conveyed to the residents in early July.

Mr. Molloy

Is my hon. Friend aware that this situation in Claybrook Road, Fulham, has caused a great deal of upset and anguish, which might have been avoided if the regional hospital board, had it been empowered to do so, had held sensible discussions with representatives of the local authority and the police? It refused to do so, perhaps because it is not so empowered. Will my hon. Friend comment on this?

Mr. Snow

There is undoubtedly a difficult rehousing problem here. I assure my hon. Friend and I am fully aware of the discomfort which might be experienced by residents in certain circumstances. However, he may be glad to know that a meeting is now proposed to take place between all the parties concerned on 8th July when it is hoped that a solution may be found, with the very welcome collaboration of the G.L.C., which bears the responsibility for the problem, but for dealing with which we also bear some responsibility.