§ Mr. Urwinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many health centres are now established within the county of Durham, and where they are located;
(2) how many health centres are currently under construction in the county of Durham;
(3) why he has refused to authorise the provision of a health centre at Houghton-le-Spring.
§ Mr. AlisonEleven health centres are now established in the county of Durham at Barnard Castle, Boldon, Chilton, Dunston, Felling, Hebburn, Hetton-le-Hole, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee, Spennymoor and Washington. Three are currently under construction, at Eagles-cliffe, Stanhope and Washington. My right hon. Friend has not refused to authorise the provision of a health centre at Houghton-le-Spring, but he has informed the Durham County Council that he is unable to approve a building start on this scheme during 1973–74. It has been necessary to slow down the recent rapid rate of growth of approvals for health centres in order to keep priorities right in relation to other essential fields of community care.