§ 16. Mr Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set up a public investigation into the excessive delay in the completion of the work at the City hospital and the spiralling cost of the work; whether part of the work is now out of date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonNo. The delay in the completion of the City hospital is due mainly to the late insertion of the university teaching accommodation and to other essential changes in design, and also to bad weather and stoppages of work for various reasons. These factors, together with unprecedented inflation during the building period, have led to the increased costs. I am satisfied that the completed hospital will provide up-to-date facilities for the treatment of patients.