HC Deb 31 July 1972 vol 842 cc10-1
9. Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many letters have been received by him and his Department regarding the future of Llanelli General Hospital; and what replies have been sent.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Almost 9,000. The replies have said that the Welsh Hospital Board is, in the first place, responsible for the planning of hospital services in Wales and that the board hopes to publish its proposals for the Llanelli Hospital later this year.

Mr. Davies

The Minister, having received 96 letters, is no doubt aware of the deep feeling in my constituency about the future of this hospital. Is he further aware of the increasing impatience at the delay of the hospital board in publishing the plans? Will he use his influence with the board to ensure that the plans are published by the autumn?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

There are various factors, particularly the need to plan a hospital service in Swansea and the surrounding areas, which have held up the isolated planning for the development of the Llanelli Hospital. I can assure the hon. Gentleman, however, that the planning is going ahead as quickly as possible, and I shall not overlook it myself.

Mr. George Thomas

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been hanging fire for years? Is he further aware that when I had the honour of being in the Welsh Office I received a deputation about the future of Llanelli Hospital, and I hope he will listen to the plea of my hon. Friend the Member for Llanelli (Mr. Denzil Davies) and ensure that people in Llanelli know by the autumn what the future of the hospital is?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. This is a problem of long standing. I was very glad to receive a deputation from his hon. Friend and representatives from Llanelli. I assure the right hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friend that we are not delaying any longer than necessary.