HC Deb 23 July 1973 vol 860 cc289-90W
Mr. Adam Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the building of the proposed health centre to serve Whitwick and Thringstone in Leicestershire has been postponed; and when this project will now be started, and completed.

Sir K. Joseph

I understand that there have been difficulties in obtaining a site. Although these are expected shortly to be overcome, the preparation of sketch plans has been deferred until the site is in the county council's possession. Consequently the scheme is not at present at the stage at which it can be considered for approval for building to start.

Mr. Adam Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the building of the proposed health centre in Hinckley has been postponed; and when this project will be started and completed.

Sir K. Joseph

I understand that the county council is awaiting the outcome of a study by the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board as to whether it is feasible to accommodate a health centre on a site adjacent to Hinckley and District Hospital. Consequently it has not yet sought my approval for building.

Mr. Adam Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many health centres are planned to be opened in 1973–74, 1974–75 and 1975–76; and how this compares with the previous two years.

Sir K. Joseph

Eighty-three were opened in 1971 and 94 in 1972. I expect that the number will be not less than 100 in 1973 and I hope that the number will remain at about this level in each of the next two years. The information relates to calendar years; it is not available for financial years.

Mr. Adam Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many local authority applications for health centre schemes have been submitted for approval during 1973–74 and 1974–75; and how many of these have been turned down or postponed.

Sir K. Joseph

The record number of 115 health centres have been approved for building to start during 1973–74. A further 40 are at present postponed. My Department has been consulted about approximately 200 other schemes which are at an earlier stage of planning and not yet ready to be considered for approval for building.