§ 8. Mr. Boydenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the capital expenditure on improvements at the Bishop Auckland General Hospital during the last three years; and what is planned for further improvements during the next three years.
§ Dr. John Dunwoody£349,500 in the three years from 1967–68, including an estimate for 1969–70. It is hoped to start the second phase of development at an estimated cost of £900,000 during the next three years.
§ Mr. BoydenWhile I am grateful for these big improvements, may I ask my hon. Friend if he would have a further look at the maternity provisions? I have written to him about this and he knows that there is a dispute between the South-West Durham Management Committee and the Ministry. Would he ask his officials to have a further look at it?
§ Dr. DunwoodyI will certainly look into this matter again. The maternity department and supporting services are the second phase in this development, 884 which is itself one of a large number of similar developments taking place throughout the country.