§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Health (1) how many sets of plans have been produced for the new St. Helen Hospital in Barnsley; for what reasons they were cancelled; and what has been the total cost to date;
(2) if he is aware that there are still more than 2,000 people in Barnsley and district awaiting operations, and that Barnsley is urgently in need of a new hospital; and when he now estimates that building on this project will commence.
§ Mr. PowellI fully accept the need for this new hospital. Six development plans have been prepared for different sites that might be available, and the Board are now finally revising their proposals so as to increase the number of beds further. Additional land is expected to be available by 31st March, 1964, and the Board hope to start building soon after. The cost to date is not yet settled.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Health why the architects responsible for drawing up the latest set of plans for the new St. Helen Hospital in Barnsley have withdrawn their services; and what are the prospects of obtaining the services of another team.
§ Mr. PowellThese architects were heavily committed with other major hospital building schemes and could not undertake to give priority to work on the new St. Helen Hospital. They have therefore agreed to relinquish their appointment. The Regional Hospital Board expect to have no difficulty in finding a suitable firm with hospital experience to take over the project without delay.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Health whether the withdrawal of architects from the production of plans for 6W the new St. Helen Hospital in Barnsley will delay the starting date of building.
§ Mr. PowellNo.