§ 57 and 60. Mr. W. Griffithsasked the Minister of Health (1) the nature of structural defects existing at the Manchester Royal Infirmary; when these defects were first discovered; how many wards have been closed; and what services have been curtailed in consequence:
9W(2) when he expects to authorise the commencement of work on the structural repairs necessary at the Manchester Royal Infirmary.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe structural defects consist of roof and wall movement and corrosion of steel joists in the buildings opened in 1908. Signs of the defects were first discovered in 1928, but became more marked in 1954. Two medical wards have been closed resulting in an overall reduction of work on the medical side of the Infirmary. I am afraid I am not yet able to give a date for the commencement of what will inevitably be a large and expensive scheme of repairs and modernisation.