§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the original estimate of expenditure of the Royal Victoria infirmary, Newcastle, new ward block when the project began; and what is the total expenditure incurred so far.
§ Mr. SackvilleBased on actual building costs and standards prevailing at the start of construction, the original estimated cost of the new ward block was £23.3 million excluding fluctuations. The contract was com- pleted on time in July 1991 and the cost incurred was £27.2 million including £3.4 million for fluctuations. Fluctuations are the sums paid to reimburse the contractor for increases in labour, plant and material costs as the work proceeds. Four small additional contracts have since been let to provide additional facilities on site.