HC Deb 01 December 1970 vol 807 cc1073-4
29. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to speed up new hospital building in South Shields.

Mr. Alison

An out-patient department costing £½ million has already been completed. The regional hospital board plans to start a psychiatric unit next year, and is planning the next phase, consisting mainly of a maternity department and costing over £¾ million.

Mr. Blenkinsop

As the Minister has promised further developments in hospital building, especially in development areas such as South Shields, may we not have rather faster movement towards the completion of these new units, which have been in preparation for some time?

Mr. Alison

I have referred to the planning aspect. The next phase is expected to be in hand and even completed well before the mid-1970s, and the extra resources which we are making available to hospitals will tend to expedite the matter.