Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend (Hansard, 24 July 1991)

§ Mr. Ray Powell (Ogmore)
May I crave your indulgence Mr. Deputy Speaker, before I present the petition? These are perhaps the closing minutes of our proceedings—at least until tomorrow's day of Adjournment debates—and I may not be afforded a further opportunity to wish you, Sir, a happy, healthy and enjoyable recess. I have always had more admiration for you than for perhaps anyone else who has presided over our proceedings—from the Chair—because of your tolerance. I wish you a happy and enjoyable recess, and those wishes should be extended to all the staff of the House who work extremely hard for all hon. Members.

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Paul Dean)
Before the hon. Gentleman presents his petition, may I say how very much I appreciate his kind words. I am sure that all the staff of the House who serve us so well are equally appreciative.

§ Mr. Powell
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The petition is from residents of the catchment area of the Princess of Wales hospital, Bridgend, which includes the Ogmore, Bridgend, Aberavon, Pontypridd and Rhondda constituencies and covers some 250,000 people. It expresses grave concern that the population will not be afforded the necessary health care unless there is action to ensure that the necessary funding of promised future development is available on the capital expenditure plans of the area health authority. The excellent consultants and staff employed at the present hospital share this grave concern and the petition is signed by more than 5,000 people.
That petition from the residents of Ogwr is presented to the Honourable Commons of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled The Humble Petition of the Residents of Ogwr Showeth:— That it is proposed by the Mid-Glamorgan Health Authority to remove Phase II of the Princess of Wales Hospital from the 10 year capital programme despite assurances that Phase II would start when or soon after Phase I was completed in 1985 and that we the undersigned, protest vigorously at the failure of the Health Authority to complete the Princess of Wales Hospital to the detriment of patients and staff who are currently contending with the difficulties of providing care on split hospital sites. Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House do urge the Secretary of State for Wales to meet Mid Glamorgan Health Authority to discuss jointly the means by which Phase II of the Princess of Wales Hospital can be restored for the 10 year capital programme and work start on plans in 1991/92 as was intended this time last year.
And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. The petition was signed by Muriel Williams of 6 Ogwy street, Nantymoel, and by more than 5,000 others.