§ 33. Mr. Fryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the future provision of maternity beds for the area of which Wellingborough is a part; whether he is satisfied that the present approved plans are adequate to deal with the anticipated rise in population; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyPresent plans include a new 104-bed maternity unit at Kettering in the mid-1970's. The existing general practitioner units at Park Hospital, Wellingborough, and at Corby would continue. This proposed provision should be adequate for the rise in population in the area which is at present foreseen.
§ Mr. FryI am grateful for that answer. Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the great concern that is felt by local con- 1020 sultants regarding the shortage of specialist maternity beds? In these circumstances, will be grant the extra 24 beds which have been requested for St. Mary's, Kettering?
§ Dr. DunwoodyI would be grateful if the hon. Gentleman would write to me on the detailed points he has made because it would not be fair to him or his constituents for me to give an off-the-cuff answer.