§ 1. Mr. Abseasked the Secretary of State for Wales why tenders for the needed extensions at the County Hospital, Griffithstown have been delayed three times; and what action is being taken to expedite the commencement of the required building work.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Barry Jones)The tenders were higher than we would have wished and 2 it was necessary to examine the reasons for this very closely. Within the last few days my right hon. and learned Friend has been able to give his approval and the building work will start very shortly.
§ Mr. AbseI thank my hon. Friend for his effective intervention, which I am sure will be much appreciated in Pontypool, where it is a matter of urgency that we have the new surgical units. Can my hon. Friend tell us the amount involved in these extensions to the hospital? May I also thank him for his intervention in education? This week Pontypool has certainly had a great deal to thank the Labour Government for.
§ Mr. Barry JonesI thank my hon. Friend. The total cost of the replacement operating theatre and the X-ray department will be nearly £1 million. My hon. Friend has campaigned for them for some years.