§ 12. Mr. Cledwyn Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what progress is being made in acquiring land for the new General Hospital for Caernarvon and Anglesey at Bangor; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattNegotiations for the acquisition of the land are progressing but have not yet reached the stage where they can be finalised. The planning of the hospital is not however being delayed thereby.
§ Mr. HughesYes, but is the Minister of State aware that there is a good deal of disquiet in North-West Wales at the delay in acquiring land in Bangor for the new general hospital? Can he give the House an assurance that the starting date of 1975, which has been clearly given as an undertaking by successive Governments, still remains the date for the commencement of work on the new hospital?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI am very much aware of the right hon. Gentleman's concern and that of his constituents in North Wales about this matter. The land, as he knows, is in multiple ownership, and numerous points of detail have to be settled before negotiations can be finalised, and how much of the land to be severed by the hospital site is also a matter now under discussion. But I repeat my assurance that there will be no delay in the projected position of the hospital.
§ Mr. HughesIs 1975 still the starting date?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI would need the right hon. Gentleman to write to me on that point, when I shall be glad to be able to answer. I have nothing to hide here. It is just that I want to be certain that the answer is correct.