HC Deb 08 November 1971 vol 825 cc633-4
25. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the progress being made in the various stages of the redevelopment of the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Monmouthshire; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gibson-Watt:

Work on the current stage is proceeding satisfactorily. The Welsh Hospital Board is considering how best to advance the start of the next stage of redevelopment and shorten the contract period.

Mr. Hughes:

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is vital to speed up this project, particularly in view of the long waiting list at this hospital and the fact that in the Newport Employment Exchange area there is now 6 per cent. male unemployment? Does he also appreciate that I.D.C. approval in Wales for the first nine months of 1971 has been for only 4,670 jobs compared with over 13,000 jobs in the same period last year?

Mr. Gibson-Watt:

I thought that the Question referred to the progress of the building of the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport. I assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall press forward with this as fast as possible.