HC Deb 16 October 1973 vol 861 c17
22. Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will approve the loan sanction for the Audley Health Centre.

The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Michael Alison)

I regret that loan sanction could not be given in this financial year. Depending upon the degree of priority given to it by the Staffordshire County Council, in consultation with the executive council, the scheme will be considered for a possible start during 1974–75.

Mr. Golding

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this health centre is one of the first victims of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's axe? The £300 million tax handout to the rich has resulted in the deferment of such schemes within the National Health Service. Will the Minister fight within the Government for improvements in the National Health Service and in particular for increased expenditure on health centres?

Mr. Alison

The hon. Gentleman's comments are wide of the mark. Capital expenditure on health centres has now reached an unprecedented level approaching £12 million a year. That is about one-third as much again as in the last financial year. It is simply a question of sharing out resources between health centres and a number of other important causes within the National Health Service.

Dr. Summerskill

Will the Minister bear in mind that local authorities throughout the country cannot understand why, on the one hand, they are encouraged to develop health centres and, on the other hand, when they draw up plans they are told that the Government cannot afford them?

Mr. Alison

The hon. Lady will be only too glad, after many years of active persuasion both by the Labour Party when in power and by the present Government to encourage doctors to move towards health centre practices, that at last there has been almost an avalanche of response.