§ 61. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she is aware of the inadequate hospital and medical services in the east end of London in general and the London borough of Newham in particular; and whether, in view of the concern felt by everyone connected with public services at the fact that her Department has not given the go ahead to the building of a new district general hospital in Newham, she will visit the area and discuss this and related matters with those concerned.
§ Dr. OwenI am aware of the state of hospital buildings in the east end of London and of the difficulties in providing adequate primary care facilities in deprived areas. I have already written to my hon. Friend on this subject, and he will, no doubt, recall the statement my 89W right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made in the House on 2nd December last—[Vol. 882, c. 1210–16.]—when she announced plans for capital expenditure in 1975–76. I have written to the Chief Executive of the London Borough of Newham, and I have seen my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing). I have told them that if any Member of Parliament in the area wishes to bring a deputation representing all the various interests concerned about the hospital, I will be very happy to see them.