HC Deb 19 November 2003 vol 413 cc1109-10W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much(a) has been and (b) is intended to be spent on capital costs in the new diagnosis and treatment centres.[134952]

Mr. Hutton

Independent sector treatment centres (IS-TCs) are being procured in accordance with strict Official Journal of the European Commission (OJEC) rules. The advertisements published in the OJEC in December 2002 were for the provision of health services only and not capital build. The IS-TC programme was design to ensure that additional capacity is available as soon as possible to treat National Health Service patients.

The 47 NHS treatment centre schemes have been allocated a total capital spend of over £370 million.

Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the location will be of the diagnostics centre in Southend-on-Sea; and if he will make a statement. [139808]

Mr. Hutton

The proposed location of the treatment centre in Southend-on-Sea is expected to be at Fossetts Farm, on the outskirts of Southend-on-Sea. This is subject to receipt of planning permission.