HC Deb 21 July 1983 vol 46 c556
9. Mr. Clifford Forsythe

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the new Antrim area hospital will be completed.

Mr. Chris Patten

The Government remain committed to the modernisation and rationalisation of services in the northern board area. I am having discussions with the board to determine how the cost and construction of the new hospital can be accommodated within planned spending programmes, but I am not yet in a position to say when the hospital will be completed.

Mr. Forsythe

Does the Minister agree that further delay on the new hospital is intolerable in view of the undertakings given by successive Governments?

Mr. Patten

I hope to open the Antrim group school of nursing in late September or early October. By the time that happy event takes place, I hope to be in a position to say something more positive than I have been able to say today.

Dr. Mawhinney

Does my hon. Friend intend to allow private firms to tender for catering, cleaning and similar services in the new Antrim hospital?

Mr. Patten

Of course.

Mr. William Ross

Does the Minister realise how deeply disappointing his answer will be to my constituents, as the Coleraine hospital will not be built until the Antrim hospital is completed? Which generation of my constituents can look forward to a new hospital in Coleraine?

Mr. Patten

I hope that the regional strategic plan, which will shortly go to the Assembly, and what I am able to say in the autumn will go some way to reassure the hon. Gentleman's constituents about the improvement of facilities and the rationalisation of acute care facilities in the board area.