§ 11. Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will visit Newham in order to discuss the delay in constructing phase three of the Newham district general hospital.
§ Mr. DorrellI have no immediate plans to visit Newham.
§ Mr. SpearingDoes the Minister recall that last October, a deputation from Newham district health authority came to see him and that he said that he would write? Does he also recall that, after a reminder last month, he wrote a letter of one and a half pages which did not even mention Newham hospital? Does he agree that funding urgently required medical facilities by the assumed value of land—if it is not sold—is not sensible? In view of the fact that there was a £ 12 billion budget surplus last year, is not such an approach at worst morally indefensible and at best politically inept?
§ Mr. DorrellI well understand the disappointment felt by the hon. Gentleman's constituents as a result of the cancellation of phase three of Newham hospital. The purpose of my letter to him was to try to discourage him from falling into a slough of despond and to remind him that all is not lost with the national health service in his district. The number of patients waiting for over a year, for example, has decreased by 10 per cent. over the last 12 months for which figures are available. The number of day cases has increased by 8 per cent. and the number of completed hospital stays has increased by 6 per cent. We have announced the approval of an initial practice allowance for two general practices in his area and we have encouraged the health authorities to work with the private sector and with the London Docklands development corporation to provide primary health care facilities in his constituency. All is not lost.