§ 23 and 24. Mr. Emeryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) why no capital expenditure was planned for 1968–69 and is planned for 1969–70 for extensions or improvement projects to Exmouth Hospital;
(2) why no capital expenditure was planned for 1968–69 and is planned for 8 1969–70 for extensions or improvement projects to the Victoria Cottage Hospital, Sidmouth, Devon.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe South Western Regional Hospital Board did not accord the same priority to capital expenditure at these hospitals as to schemes included in its programme for 1968–69 and 1969–70.
§ Mr. EmeryDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that among doctors and many of the smaller hospitals in Devon, which are providing a massive service for the local population, there is the feeling that all expenditure is going into improvements in Reading—I am sorry, I should have said Exeter—and that if the small hospitals were to be closed down the extra numbers on the waiting lists of people wanting beds would be so great that it would be impossible to meet the demands?
§ Mr. EnnalsObviously we cannot spend money on everything all at once, I am glad the hon. Gentleman has now remembered which constituency he represents. Capital expenditure is now being concentrated in Exeter, which is the district general hospital for the area, in which substantial sums have been spent—£160,000 in 1968–69, and £925,000 is expected to be spent this year on the new Wonford Hospital in Exeter, providing 446 beds. In addition £348,000 was spent in 1968–69, and £775,000 in 1969–70 on other schemes in the Exeter area.