HC Deb 03 May 1971 vol 816 cc1006-7
32. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will now make a statement on the proposed reorganisation of the Cardiff and district hospitals.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. and learned Friend on 23rd March, 1971.—[Vol. 814, c. 108.]

Mr. George Thomas

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we are getting tired of the very long time that these plans have been with the Secretary of State, and that, if he spent less time chasing around the country as the Chairman of the Conservative Party, he might find time to reach a decision on this matter?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

In the latter context, the right hon. Gentleman is talking nonsense and he knows it. As for the delay, this is a complex reorganisation. It is our wish to ensure that the right decisions are made. The Welsh Hospital Board's proposals were submitted to the Welsh Office in February of this year.

Mr. Gower

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of us will not mind further delay provided that the decision is taken to reverse the proposals of the Welsh Hospital Board regarding the Accident and Maternity Hospitals at Barry and, I believe, the hospital at Caerphilly and similar small hospitals, which serve a valuable purpose, even in the context of district general hospitals and university hospitals?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I am aware of my hon. Friend's intense interest in this matter. I assure him that my right hon. and learned Friend and I will give every possible consideration to all these matters and all these hospitals.

Mr. Fred Evans

Will the hon. Gentleman please realise that hon. Members on this side and their constituents are getting completely tired of so many questions—like the recent 26 put down by the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Fred Evans)—getting complete non-answers? Is it not high time that he started to bring something out of the egg upon which he has been sitting for so long?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I dare say that if the hon. Gentleman put down better Questions he would get better answers.