HC Deb 31 July 1972 vol 842 cc22-3
24. Mr. Rowlands

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what will be the bed allocation in existing hospitals in the Merthyr Tydfil constituency after the completion of the new Gurnos District Hospital; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Decisions have not yet been taken. The Welsh Hospital Board will shortly consult locally about hospital provision in the area consequential on the building of the new hospital at Gurnos.

Mr. Rowlands

Is it not an astonishing situation that the new Gurnos Hospital is under construction yet the Government and the Welsh Hospital Board are still unable to explain to my constituents and other people in the area what is to happen to existing staff and to existing hospitals in the Merthyr area? Surely the situation should be clarified as a matter of urgency as the present situation is giving rise to grave disquiet and uncertainty among a large number of people.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that bed numbers will be determined only after full public consultation. I understand that the Welsh Hospital Board will shortly issue a booklet outlining the factors to be taken into account in the service and inviting the views of the public.