§ Mr. Donald AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the length of the delay in the start-up date for work on the accident and emergency department at Morriston hospital, Swansea; and to what extent this is due to the work being subject to the private finance initiative. [22963]
§ Mr. RichardsThe start date for work in the accident and emergency department is dependent upon Morriston Hospital NHS trust completing its business case for a range of capital investments and securing approval from Lechyd Morgannwg health authority and the Welsh Office. Once the business case is approved, the trust will explore the opportunities for private sector investment, in line with all public sector capital developments. Any delay to the start can be quickly made up through speedy implementation of the works by a private sector partner.