10. Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of (a) capital and (b) revenue expenditure to be incurred during 1984–85 on the development of the bone marrow transplant unit at the Heath hospital, Cardiff.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsA total of £100,000 has been allocated for 1984–85, of which about £20,000 will be for conversion works.
Mr. DaviesDoes the Minister accept that, following his announcement of the establishment of this unit, there is considerable disquiet in the Principality about the proposed timetable for its completion? That disquiet is shared by the leukaemia research appeal for Wales and Dr. Whittaker the consultant at the Heath hospital? Will the Minister reconsider that timetable and the giving of further funds, so that the unit can reach its maximum potential within 12 months and not five years?
§ Mr. RobertsIt is certainly not five years, it is two years. We believe that it is wise to take two years to reach the full 20 transplants a year that are expected. It is not solely a question of pumping money into the unit. There is the problem of training staff and obtaining supporting services and equipment.