HC Deb 01 November 1976 vol 918 cc954-5
13. Mr. Ifor Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give priority to rebuilding Morriston Hospital in view of its state of dilapidation causing a danger to the health of patients and staff.

Mr. Barry Jones

My right hon. and learned Friend recently visited Morriston Hospital with my hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea, East (Mr. Anderson). I am well aware of the need for major redevelopment there. We shall take account of this when deciding the future capital programme.

Mr. Davies

My hon. Friend will be aware that this hospital was built during a wartime emergency and that, despite its deplorable working conditions, it has rendered remarkable service to the community, thanks to the dedication of its staff. Is he aware further that this hospital provides sub-regional service to the whole of South-West Wales and as such deserves the highest priority in future hospital planning?

Mr. Barry Jones

There is light at the end of the tunnel for this project. The question is to be decided soon as to how much will be invested and precisely when the starting date will be. I, too, wish to say that the work done at Morriston Hospital is magnificent.

Mr. Tom Ellis

I sympathise with the problem at Morriston, but may I ask whether my hon. Friend is aware that the position at Wrexham is even worse—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is a completely different question that should be on the Order Paper. If the hon. Gentleman wants to ask a question about Wrexham, he can hardly do so on a Question relating to Morriston.

Mr. Ellis

With the greatest respect to you, Mr. Speaker, I intend to couple the argument between Morriston and Wrexham into this question, because the whole question is one of priority. I want to ask my hon. Friend to ensure that Wrexham, which is the one large population centre in Wales which has not had substantial capital spent on it since the establishment of the National Health Service, retains top priority over all other schemes, on two grounds. The first is the merits of the case. The second is that public disquiet, which is already beginning to express itself at the inferior service—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Does the Minister wish to reply?

Mr. Barry Jones

Briefly, Mr. Speaker. My constituency is next to Wrexham. I know precisely the points my hon. Friend is making.

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