§ Mr. Kinseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the closure of the Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital, with particular reference to the delays in operations and the possible date of a new building.
§ Mr. DeanOver the past four weeks operating work at the hospital has been reduced on account of dust and vibrations from a neighbouring demolition site. All in-patients have now been discharged, and it is estimated that the wards will remain out of use for some three months. About 75 beds are to be made available
I. UNITED KINGDOM IMPORTS OF COAL December, 1970 to December, 1971 (inclusive) January to April, 1972 (inclusive) Thousand tons Average cif value per ton* Thousand tons Average cif value per ton* £ £ Anthracite … … 164 19.56 150 17.36 Steam coal (including household) … … 3,615 8.75 2,390 8.87 Gas coal … … 31 10.03 2 15.87 Coking coal … … 437 11.43 478 11.16 Total all types … … 4,246 9.45 3,020 9.66 * The average values quoted above are not true prices as they are influenced by varying qualities of coal, transport cost and other factors. II. Information about retail prices of imported coal is not available.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry at what 538W for eye patients at other Birmingham Hospitals.
Plans for the ophthalmic department at Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, which it is intended should replace the Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital, are well advanced.