§ 59. Mr. Hiltonasked the Minister of Health what is the total amount of the decrease in the financial content of the building programme 1963 to 1974 as shown by the latest revision, as compared with the programme previously agreed, for the East Anglian Regional Hospital Board; what schemes have been excluded until the period 1970 to 1974; and what schemes, originally included in the period up to 1972–73, have now been deferred beyond 1974.
§ Mr. BarberThe financial content of the hospital building programme for this region has not been decreased, as implied in the hon. Member's Question. On the contrary this year's revision shows an increase for the region of £7 million compared with what was originally proposed.
As I have previously explained, with changes in priorities, involving the development of new projects in the national programme and the bringing forward and the enlargement of others, it has been necessary, despite an increased hospital programme in real terms, to defer some schemes.
The answer to the second part of the Question is None.
9WThe schemes included in the programme following the first revision which are now likely to start some time after 1974 are as follows:—
Great Yarmouth New Hospital—first phase.Walnut Tree Hospital, Huntingdon—new building for geriatrics and maternity.Stamford and Rutland Hospital—new ward block and out-patient department.Saffron Walden General Hospital—new building and improvements.West Suffolk General Hospital—geriatric and maternity units, etc.Many schemes now differ considerably in scope from what was earlier envisaged, and are likely to change further.