§ 40 and 41. Mr. Abseasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) in view of the growth of population, including that of Cwmbran New Town, that is served by the Royal Gwent Hospital, and the fact that there has only been an increase of 11 beds since 1939 in the general medical and general surgical departments, whether he will give authority for Scheme V of the development of the hospital to commence immediately upon completion of Scheme IV of the programme in 1972;
(2) whether, in view of the danger to the general health of the staff as a consequence of the overcrowding of the pathology department of the Royal Gwent Hospital and the fire hazards that flow from the present conditions, he will alleviate the position by giving authority for Scheme V of the development of this hospital to be brought forward to commence immediately upon completion of Scheme IV of the programme in 1972.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThe Newport and East Monmouthshire H.M.C. has already taken steps to reduce overcrowding and fire hazards in the pathology department and with the Welsh Hospital Board is considering what further action to take. It is not possible to predict the exact date on which Phase V will commence but the Welsh Hospital Board is fully aware of the case for speedy redevelopment.