§ Mr. Michael McGuireasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the expected starting and finishing time for the new hospital to be built in the Skelmersdale New Town; and what is the estimated cost.
§ Dr. OwenA sum of approximately £2.5 million has been set aside in the regional health authority's provisional capital programme for this project in Skelmersdale. A start is envisaged in 1980 and it would take about three years to complete.
§ Mr. Michael McGuireasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what way the new hospital in Skelmersdale New Town will differ from the earlier planned hospital with regard to the number of beds and the specialities now proposed to be provided.
§ Dr. OwenIt is expected that the content of the proposed community hospital will follow the lines indicated in advice issued by my Department in 389W August 1974. This advice, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend, sets out the functions and scope of community hospitals and their rôle in relation to district general hospitals.