§ 12. Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals have been made for the building of a private hospital in Victoria Park, Manchester; and if he has examined the likely effect on nursing staffing in the area.
§ Sir K. JosephI understand that the City of Manchester Planning Department 219 has received an application for the development of a private hospital in Victoria Park, Manchester. The commissioning of such a hospital should not, at present, affect the general situation over the recruiting of nurses in the area.
§ Mr. MarksIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a staffing problem and there are also very long lists of patients awaiting treatment at local hospitals? When applications are made for private hospitals to be built, does he examine the situation which that will possibly create?
§ Sir K. JosephMy approval is not required for the building of private hospitals. I am concerned about waiting lists, and I hope that in the next few months I shall he giving advice to hospital authorities about how to reduce them.
§ Mr. KaufmanI wish to support what was said by my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Marks). Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this project is planned in Victoria Park which is in my constituency and which is a stress area? Does he appreciate that a hospital of this kind would not be used by the overwhelming majority of my constituents because they could not afford to go there? Is he further aware that this plaything of an ex-Tory councillor would take up land which could be used for the benefit of my constituents?
§ Sir K. JosephIt is for the local planning committee to weigh all the factors that are within its right to weigh. My permission is not needed for such a hospital.