§ 18. Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when construction of phases 1, 2 and 3 of the capital building programme at the Queen's Park hospital, Blackburn, will begin.
§ Mr. FinsbergThe North-Western regional health authority is currently reviewing the capital projects to be started during the next 10 years or so, and is likely to determine its programme in May. I cannot anticipate the start dates of developments at Queen's Park hospital, but I am assured that the authority continues to regard the improvement of services in Blackburn as a high priority.
§ Mr. StrawIs the Minister aware that three years ago the chairman of the regional health authority promised that the building of a paediatric unit would begin last month and that the previous Minister for Health promised that the building of a maternity unit would begin in 1984–85? As a result of cuts in the capital programmes of the regional health authority, these desperately needed facilities have been delayed yet again. As these facilities are so urgently needed, will the Minister say today that the paediatric unit will go ahead?
§ Mr. FinsbergThe delay has not been due in any way to financial difficulties. That assurance has been given to 158 me by the authorities. The capital allocation to the region has gone up in real terms by 10.6 per cent. between 1978–79 and 1983–84.