HC Deb 11 February 1965 vol 706 c130W
Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he will alter the five-year rule, so that land needed for the new Clacton Hospital can be acquired in advance of the present five-year limitation;

(2) why he can only acquire land for the building of hospitals five years in advance.

Mr. K. Robinson

My powers to acquire land for the building of hospitals are not limited to what is needed in the next five years, but I am reluctant to acquire land unnecessarily much in advance of need.