HC Deb 25 January 1982 vol 16 cc270-1W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) which firm of architects was responsible for the plans of the extension to the Mater hospital; when the firm was appointed, and by whom; what arrangements were made for the payment of fees and associated costs; and what was the cost of fees and associated costs to the latest date for which information is available;

(2) what progress has been made in regard to the extension of the Mater hospital; and whether any problems have been encountered as a consequence of the restricted site.

Mr. John Patten

The architects are Shanks, Leighton, Kennedy and Fitzgerald of Belfast. They were appointed in October 1979 by the works unit of the Department of Health and Social Services. Fees and other expenses are in accordance with the scales laid down in the Royal Institute of British Architects conditions of engagement (October 1977 revision). The total of fees and other expenses paid to date is £52, 273. The scheme is at the detailed planning stage. Final sketch plans and details of the estimated cost are being examined. The restricted site and other constraints have created problems of satisfactory access and natural drainage.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) on what date the £1 million contribution from the Mater hospital trustees was appropriated in aid of the capital programme of reconstruction; and where it appears in the public accounts;

(2) what contribution is to be made by the Mater hospital trustees to the capital cost of the hospital reconstruction programme scheduled to begin in 1983; and when the contribution will be brought to account as an appropriation in aid;

(3) what was the cost of the capital programme of reconstruction at the Mater hospital, at 1981 price levels; and what was the cost in real terms from 1977 to date.

Mr. John Patten

The contributions from the Mater hospital trustees towards the cost of the capital programme of reconstruction are detailed in the Northern Ireland Appropriation Accounts under Class IX Vote I as receipts authorised to be used as Appropriations in Aid, and were received as follows:

Year Amount £
1978–79 300, 000
1979–80 300, 000
1980–81 350, 000

Under the agreement, made in 1977, to share the capital cost of the hospital reconstruction programme, the hospital trustees are to meet £2.6 million of the total cost of £6.6 million at 1977 prices, and this contribution will be updated pro rata to take account of rising costs incurred during the period of the scheme. The trustee's contribution is being paid by annual instalments, which are brought to account as appropriations in aid in the year during which they are received.

The cost of the reconstruction at the Mater hospital is estimated at £10.6 million at 1981 prices. Actual costs until 31 March 1981 amount to £0.9 million.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what was the date of the agreement in 1977 between the Department of Health and Social Security and the Mater hospital trustees; and if the agreement had retrospective effect;

(2) whether the proposed amendment to the deed of arrangement between the Government and the Mater hospital trustees is to be confined to the capital expenditure at the hospital or whether it will include the revenue consequences of the programme, or the running costs of the hospital;

(3) if he will set out in the Official Report the terms of the amendment to the deed of arrangement with the Mater hospital trustees which is intended to take account of the agreement reached in 1977 between the Government and the trustees.

Mr. John Patten

The agreement was reached on 2 November 1977 and where relevant will have retrospective effect. The proposed amendment will cover only the

Percentage of recurrent expenditure represented by cost of salaries and wages of
Ards Bangor Mater
1979–80 % 1980–81 % 1979–80 % 1980–81 % 1979–80 % 1980–81 %
(a) staff engaged in treatment 47.6 54.3 50.5 55.9 46.8 47.2
(b) supporting staff 21.5 20.5 21.7 20.2 27.5 26.7