§ 21. Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the level of proposed capital expenditure in the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board area during the late 1970s.
§ Mr. AlisonMy right hon. Friend is not satisfied, because the resources available will not be enough to do everything that should be done. But the region will have a fair share of what is available for the country as a whole, and my right hon. Friend is keeping its allocation under continuing review.
§ Mr. PriceIs it not clear that, because of the disastrous drop in Government expenditure after the mid-1970s, many 250 major hospital programmes in the Midlands will be delayed for some years? Why has the Minister selected the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board as the prime target for cuts which will produce a severe hospital crisis in the region within 10 years?
§ Mr. AlisonIn the three years since the Government came to power Birmingham Regional Hospital Board has succeeded in acquiring a record real increase in the capital resources available for hospitals. The hon. Gentleman will recall that we are just about to start a scheme worth £225,000 in Rugby for the St. Cross Hospital.
§ Mr. PriceOn a point of order. Mr. Speaker. In view of the totally unsatisfactory nature of that answer, I beg to give notice that I shall seek leave to obtain my fourth Adjournment debate on this matter.