§ 3. Mr. George Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) whether he will make a statement on his plans for the uture use of the Lord Pontypridd Hospital in Cardiff;
(2) what plans he has for the care of the young chronic sick in Cardiff; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThe Welsh Hospital Board last year recommended the closure of the Lord Pontypridd Hospital and the concentration of treatment for the younger chronic sick at Rookwood Hospital when suitable facilities had been provided there. I asked the board to consider further the future of the Lord Pontypridd Hospital and I await its conclusions.
§ Mr. ThomasWhile offering to the Secretary of State our felicitations on his birthday and trusting that by the time he reaches his next birthday he will have been relieved of the heavy burdens of office, may I ask the Minister of State whether he is aware that the 25 chronic sick who are being cared for at the Lord Pontypridd Hospital are in a gem of a hospital and that it is perfect for the purpose? Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that modern thinking is that the young chronic sick should be cared for in smaller units of this nature?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI am aware of the right hon. Gentleman's great interest in this hospital. I have visited it myself. I do not think I can add to my original answer. But I am sure that note will be taken of the right hon. Gentleman's remarks.