§ 10. Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for the future use of the site and buildings presently occupied by the hospital at Gelligaer which was originally 10 paid for by the ratepayers of the urban area and which is being closed by his decision.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThe property is no longer required for hospital purposes and arrangements are in hand to dispose of it.
§ Mr. EvansWill the Minister accept, however, that an important matter of equity is involved? When Governments sequestrate assets paid for by ratepayers of local authorities in pursuit of Government policy and a subsequent Government find that these assets are surplus to requirements, should not the assets be returned unconditionally to the ratepayers who originally paid for them, to be disposed or by the local authority as it sees fit? If the Minister has no powers to do this, will he press his Government to legislate in order that equity may be achieved?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattIt has always been the policy when disposing of surplus hospital land to sell at the best price reasonably obtainable. I understand that the local authorities concerned are not wishful to put either of these buildings to any particular use.