§ Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Health when the obstetric unit at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Swindon will be ready for use; and what steps will then be taken to make available some general practitioner beds in Cirencester for Swindon patients, in view of the anticipated inadequacy of such beds at Kingshill Hospital.
§ Miss PittAs I have recently informed the hon. Member, my Department and the Oxford Regional Hospital Board are examining whether detailed planning of the new maternity unit can be carried out in advance of the rest of stage III of100W the hospital. The Board is also considering as a matter of urgency the addition of beds to Kingshill Hospital and will consider with the hospital management committees concerned the possibility of using maternity accommodation in the areas surrounding Swindon.