HC Deb 30 March 1981 vol 2 c6
6. Mr. Abse

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will publish the report of the Welsh Health Technical Services Organisation on the defects in the construction of the University of Wales Heath hospital; what are the estimated costs of the needed remedial work; what steps are being taken to recover such costs from those responsible for the defective work; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

The firm of consultant engineers commissioned to carry out a structural survey of the University Hospital of Wales building has prepared a draft interim report which I do not propose to publish, but which estimates the costs of the recommended remedial work at £6.29 million. The question of liability is under consideration by our legal advisers.

Mr. Abse

Why will the Minister not publish the interim report? Will he assure us that he will at least publish the final report, as taxpayers' money is involved, and because from the beginning there has been concern about the way that the decision was made and the inadequate supervision? If legal proceedings are pending, and if, by discovery, any potential defendent can get access to the report, why is there a cover up at this stage and a refusal, in effect, to make the full facts known to the community?

Mr. Roberts

There is no cover up. The publication of the final report will be considered when it is received. As liability issues are under consideration, I shall need to be sure that publication either of the interim report or of the final report will not prejudice any contemplated legal action. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman, with his legal knowledge, will understand that.

Mr. Coleman

Will the Minister ensure that, despite the vast sum of money that is to be expended on this hospital in Cardiff, other projects throughout Wales will not suffer? We have had this difficulty in the past.

Mr. Roberts

It is a tragedy that this has happened, but the situation is beginning to improve. Work is already planned to the tune of £500,000, and that is included in capital spending for the coming year. I shall seek to ensure that the necessary work is phased so that the capital programme for Wales as a whole is not adversely affected.