§ Mr. PageTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will give increased funding to the North-West Thames regional health authority to reflect the increased cost of the Westminster and Chelsea hospital scheme;
(2) what are the reasons for the increased capital costs of the Westminster and Chelsea hospital scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe total construction cost of the Chelsea and Westminster hospital is projected to be £177 million when completed. North West Thames regional health authority reviewed its capital programme in January as a result of these and other increasing costs, which are due to the high and increasing cost of building in London, and the fall in residential property values. A number of schemes have been deferred for 18 months to two years. North West Thames regional health authority, however, expect that proceeds from land sales will more than cover the cost of the Chelsea and Westminister hospital.