§ 3. Sir A. Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the original date for the opening of the district general hospital at Bodelwyddan; what is now the estimated date of opening; and what are the principal reasons for the delay.
§ Mr. Barry JonesWhen work first started in January 1972 no firm date was fixed for opening, but construction work was expected to be completed by the end of 1975, with the opening about a year later. Progress was seriously affected by a number of factors, including industrial disputes in the earlier years and structural problems. The whole hospital should now be ready for handing over to the area health authority by the end of next month. The estimated date for opening is January 1980.
§ Sir A. MeyerIs it not a fact that this scheme, like other major building projects in Wales, has been delayed primarily by deliberate wrecking tactics by extremist elements in the trade union movement? Should not the Minister openly declare that the activities of such people are inconsistent with membership of the Labour Party?
§ Mr. Barry JonesThose were perhaps lurid headline statements. Although there were serious industrial problems in the early years—they were largely during 480 the period of the Tory Government up to 1974, and we all know of the wrecking tactics then—the record during the past three years has been generally good. Everything possible is being done to get the hospital open as quickly as possible. Perhaps the hon. Member will consider, rather than rattling his sabre, that he should thank his lucky stars that he now has a 340-bed £10 million district general hospital in his constituency.