§ 14. Mr. RogersTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what moneys he is making available for hospital development (a) in the Rhondda and (b) elsewhere in Mid Glamorgan over the next five years.
§ Mr. GristMid Glamorgan health authority's discretionary capital allocation for the current year is £5.7 million—an increase of nearly 21 per cent. over last year's 12 allocation. It is for the authority to determine its priorities for the use of those funds. Future years' allocations will depend on the outcome of annual public expenditure discussions.
§ Mr. RogersI am absolutely appalled by the Minister's answer, in that the needs of the Rhondda and Taff-Ely area have recently been assessed at more than £50 million worth of necessary capital building. If Mid Glamorgan is to have only £5.7 million in the next year and an indeterminate amount over the next five years, it means that one of the most economically and socially deprived areas of the United Kingdom will have to wait an inordinate time for basic hospital facilities.
§ Mr. GristThe hon. Gentleman knows that representations concerning the proposed development of hospital services in Rhondda and Taff-Ely closed on 11 May. Consultations on those representations are taking place at this very minute. The hon. Gentleman will also know that, as I pointed out, the increase this year is 21 per cent. on capital funding and 28.5 per cent. on revenue funding in real terms since this Government came to office. That does not show an ignorance of the conditions in the valleys.
§ Mr. RowlandsCan the Minister give us reason for any hope over the reopening of St. Tydfil's? Is he aware that, based on current performance, there is no way that the Mid Glamorgan health authority will be able to re-finance the reopening of that unit? Is there any hope that he will give any assistance in the current financial year to help achieve that?
§ Mr. GristAs I said in my original reply, it lies with the district health authority to decide how to manage its finances. The fact is that it has over the years failed to implement the cost improvement programmes, which have been undertaken in other parts of the country, with sufficient urgency and efficiency. We look for that increased urgency and efficiency, and then the hon. Gentleman may find that his unit will be reopened.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesDoes the Minister recognise the problems that exist in the eastern part of the county bordering Gwent, in the valleys of Rhymney and Islwyn, having a population of 150,000 people without a district general hospital of their own? What priority is given to a district general hospital for that area in the Department's long-term planning, and will the Minister give an assurance that funds will not be available for development in south Glamorgan on the basis that it will meet the needs of the valleys?
§ Mr. GristThe hon. Gentleman raises an interesting point. The question of hospitals within his own health authority's area lies with that authority. He is right in saying that services in south Glamorgan, as in Newport, serve certain patients in the valleys. That is an accepted fact of life. However, the whole question of social deprivation in Mid Glamorgan is understood, and it is worth pointing out that the formula for social deprivation is kept constantly under review. A working party chaired by the general manager of Mid Glamorgan health authority is considering whether any changes should be made in respect of the allowance for social deprivation and sparsity.
§ Mr. RogersOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I give you notice that in view of that absolutely appalling 13 answer from the Minister I wish to raise in an Adjournment debate the matter of hospitals in Mid Glamorgan?