§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost of building a new district general hospital is. [154172]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 21 March 2001]Each hospital development is unique, reflecting local requirements and circumstances. We are therefore unable to give an overall average cost. The capital value would be dependent on many factors, such as location, with the land and construction costs varying considerably, with inner London prices at over 25 per cent. higher than in many other parts of the country. Other factors include the geography and nature of the site chosen, and whether it is new build on an existing hospital site, a greenfield site or a major refurbishment project.