§ 2.42 p.m.
Baroness VICKERSMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider allocating a sum of money through the Ministry of Overseas Development for the rebuilding of the mental hospital at Belize.
Lord ORAMMy Lords, if asked, we will certainly consider this, but so far no request has been received.
Baroness VICKERSMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. I gather that in the past requests have been received. This hospital is in a shocking condition and is in the hurricane area. Those concerned would very much like to move it to the new capital Belmopan, where there is ample land and plenty of resources; and this could be done much more cheaply. Will the noble Lord look into this matter again? I will request those involved to put in an application, if that is desired by the noble Lord.
Lord ORAMMy Lords, we understand that the Belize Government are considering plans for a wing to hospitals that are proposed, but it will depend on the priority they give to such a project compared with other projects they may have in mind. I can assure the noble Baroness that the British Development Division in the Caribbean is concerned 1405 with this matter and a team will be visiting Belize quite shortly. No doubt these questions will be examined then.