§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding the problems created by his decision to defer the completion of new health centres at Lowdham and Rainworth, Nottinghamshire; and if, in view of such representations, he will reconsider his policy so as to bring forward their completion.
§ Mr. AlisonRepresentations have been received from Nottinghamshire County Council, the executive council and the local medical committee, from Lowdham Parish Council and the doctors concerned as well as from the hon. Member himself. We have carefully considered all the points made to us and understand the problems involved; I regret, however, that, for the reasons already set out in the replies to the hon. Member's letters, it is not possible to approve the start of building work on either scheme during the current financial year. The representations which have been made will, however, certainly be borne in mind when selecting schemes for starts in 1974–75.
§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will issue a statement both on the consultations which he has had with the Portsmouth City Council concerning the future provision of more health centres in the city and on his policy in such consultations.
§ Mr. AlisonMy Department has had regular contact with the Portsmouth City Council about the development of its428W health centre programme. Last June it was necessary to inform local health authorities, including Portsmouth, that because of the record growth in demand and of the need to ensure that other important aspects of community care such as facilities for the elderly and physically handicapped and the mentally ill and handicapped received a due proportion of available resources it would not be possible to approve the start of any further health centres in 1973–74. The city council has recently been invited to inform the Department which of its schemes could be started by the new authorities in 1974–75 if an allocation from the health centre funds could be made available, and also to indicate the relative priority it attaches to its schemes.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he has withheld loan sanction for the establishment of a health centre at Neasden.
§ Mr. AlisonBecause the lowest tender received exceeded by over 40 per cent, the cost which we consider appropriate for a building of this type and size.