Redditch District General Hospital

HC Deb 12 November 1974 vol 881 cc229-31

12. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she can give a date for the start of work on the new Redditch District General Hospital.

Dr. Owen

It is not possible to forecast a starting date for this project as the level of capital allocations to regional health authorities has yet to be decided.

Mr. Miller

Can the Minister understand the widespread concern among the staff at Bromsgrove General Hospital and among my constituents, and will he give an assurance that maximum administrative delay will not be exercised over the starting of work on this hospital merely in order to save funds? In other words, is it to be subject to cuts in public expenditure or does he envisage that it will proceed in accordance with the original programme?

Dr. Owen

I am not prepared to prejudge the review of cuts in public expenditure.

Mr. Greville Janner

Is my hon. Friend aware that, whatever the needs of Redditch, there are areas, such as Leicester, with the lowest proportion of hospital beds per head of population almost anywhere? Can he give some assurance to people in such areas that they will be treated fairly by the Government, whatever cuts may have to be made?

Dr. Owen

I am all too aware of the stark regional inequalities in capital provision and revenue provision in the health service. We are determined to redress those regional inequalities.

Mr. Nigel Lawson

Will the Minister, in the light of his reply, make sure that if there are any cuts, re-phasings or slowings-down of hospital expenditure as a result of what we hear in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement later, or because of a review of public expenditure, this will be used as a means of equalising it, particularly in favour of Leicestershire? May I draw his attention in that respect to Early-Day Motion No. 17 in the name of all the Leicestershire Members, and in particular may I urge on him the importance of making a start on the district general hospital at Glenfield?

Dr. Owen

I am aware of the particular regional inequality to which the hon. Gentleman has referred. I shall try to protect areas which have been deprived over the years. However, a 20 per cent. cut in capital expenditure on hospitals was announced by the Conservative Government in December last year.