§ 110. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the risks, increased anxiety and work at the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary, Stoke-on-Trent, through operations having to be carried out at other hospitals; what action he intends taking, in view of the fact that the urgently required new accident department will not be available until 1963; and if he will take steps to expedite the work and consult the city council and the North Staffordshire Miners Union on the matter.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonMy right hon. and learned Friend is aware of the difficulties inevitably arising from the present temporary arrangements, and everything possible is being done to provide a new operating-theatre suite at the Infirmary urgently. It is anticipated that building will begin in March and will be completed next year. In these circumstances I doubt whether further consultations would be advantageous.