§ 8. Mr. Abseasked the Minister of Health why the proposed date of July, 1964, for the commencement of the building of the proposed new hospital at Abergavenny has been postponed; whether he is aware that in the north Monmouthshire areas there is no provision in the specialities of paediatrics, infectious diseases, diseases of the chest, dermatology, geriatrics, special-care babies and acute psychiatry, that there is a deficiency of more than 140 acute beds in the area, and that the facilities that are available are disposed among six hospitals; and when the construction of this hospital will now commence.
§ Mr. BraineThe Hospital Plan stated that this scheme was expected to start before 1966–67. Planning is well advanced, but I cannot yet give a firm starting date. I am aware of the difficulties of this area.