§ 7. Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales on what basis he will be determining the capital expenditure allocations to area health authorities in Wales for 1976–77.
§ Mr. Barry JonesMy right hon. and learned Friend will be discussing allocations with the chairmen of area health authorities when they have had the opportunity to study the report of the Working Group on Resource Allocations, which will be completed very shortly.
§ Mr. ThomasAlthough I am glad to know that this report has now been completed, may I ask whether we can have an assurance from the Minister that it will form the basis for a reallocation of resources according to indicators and need? Will the capital expenditure allocation for Gwynedd Health Authority be increased for the next two financial years, to enable it to make a start on the new health centre at Blaenau Ffestiniog?
§ Mr. Barry JonesI am satisfied that Gwynedd will be getting a fair share of National Health Service capital resources. The new district general hospital for Bangor, which it is hoped to start shortly, and which will cost about £15 million, will be financed from centrally-controlled funds. As for the Blaenau Ffestiniog health centre, I wrote to the hon. Member earlier explaining the current position. Our intention is to provide a new health centre at the earliest possible date, and I would think it possible to try to start that centre by the end of 1977 at the latest.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesWill my hon Friend say when a start will be made on the proposed new general hospital that he referred to?
§ Mr. Barry JonesI should have thought that Easter was a reasonable date to have in mind. The Government are showing their confidence in North Wales by programming £15 million for a district general hospital, which has been a source of campaign over about 25 years by my right hon. Friend the Member for Anglesey (Mr. Hughes).