HC Deb 18 February 1976 vol 905 cc744-5W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated cost to the taxpayer of the equipment for the new Freeman Road Hospital in Newcastle recently lost in a warehouse fire in the centre of Newcastle; to what extent the equipment is covered by insurance; whether the Department's normal procedure for insurance was adopted; and whether she will see that in future equipment is fully insured in such circumstances.

Dr. Owen

A preliminary estimate of the cost of the lost equipment is just over £200,000. The equipment was not covered by insurance. It is the Government's policy to accept the risks of loss or damage to Crown property without recourse to commercial insurance.