§ Mr. Hal Millerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in the light of the recent incident in which an auxiliary at the Bromsgrove General Hospital was overcome by fumes from anaesthetics in an open drain, what are the totals for the arrears of maintenance and improvements which have been postponed at that hospital pending a decision on the new district general hospital; and if he will make a statement on the building programme to be undertaken at that hospital to remedy present deficiencies.
§ Dr. OwenIt is not possible, without disproportionate cost and effort, to make a meaningful estimate of the expenditure that has been deferred pending a decision on the new district general hospital. Several small schemes are now in progress and the West Midlands Regional and Hereford and Worcester Area Health Authorities are considering what further schemes should be undertaken.