§ 18. Mr. Hal Millerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what priorities the West Midlands Regional Health Authority has determined for capital expenditure in each of the years 1976–77 to 1979–80; and if she will visit the projects included in its programme.
§ Dr. OwenThe West Midlands Regional Health Authority has not yet submitted any detailed annual programmes, but at its meeting on 17th March the authority decided that its immediate priorities for capital developments, costing over £1 million, were district general hospital developments at Stafford and Dudley and a geriatric hospital development in Wolverhampton. My right hon. Friend hopes to visit Dudley 196 later this year. I have no firm plans to visit Stafford.
§ Mr. MillerIn view of the lack of provision for a hospital in Bromsgrove and Redditch, will the Minister accept that I am not asking for an increase in public expenditure? I am saying that a Bromsgrove hospital will have to be completely refurbished. Will he look again at the matter, in the light of the need to make provision for new towns before they become deprived areas?
§ Dr. OwenI have visited Redditch with the hon. Gentleman. I recognise that there is a need, but the regional health authority has made an assessment, which I am bound to consider seriously.