HC Deb 09 February 1970 vol 795 cc898-9
27 and 28. Mr. Dance

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he has considered the representations which have been sent to him for the early commencement of the proposed new hospital in Redditch; if he is aware of the anxiety of many constituents of the hon. Member for Bromsgrove and Redditch; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether he has considered the letter from the hon. Member for Bromsgrove and Redditch regarding the proposed new hospital in Redditch.

Mr. Crossman

In view of the representations made to me and to the regional hospital board, I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of my reply to the letter from the hon. Member.

Mr. Dance

But does the right hon. Gentleman accept the principle that if the Government of the day decide that a new town is the way to cope with overspill, they must also accept their obligation to provide necessary funds for essential services? When will my constituents get a word of hope and comfort from the Minister?

Mr. Crossman

When hon. Members read the copy of the letter which I have sent to the hon. Member, they will see that I have answered his Question. We have a sensible rule under which we do not publish the date when we will start building a hospital until it is in the present programme. The Redditch development has not reached a point which justifies starting the construction of the hospital, judged by the number of residents there; there are other more urgent priorities. I have explained that to the hon. Gentleman and I think that he will find that the arguments are overwhelming.

Mr. Dance

They are completely unsatisfactory.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Has the right hon. Gentleman got his facts quite right? Three years ago, I was told that the Macclesfield General Hospital would be built two years later, but we still do not know the date.

Mr. Crossman

That, I think, is another question, to which I am prepared to reply on a different occasion.

Mr. Dance

In view of the utterly unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter upon the Adjournment as soon as possible.