§ Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he makes, for resource planning purposes, of the current level of costs to build and equip a 100-bed wing to a district general hospital which already has the necessary care facilities, and of the subsequent annual running costs.
§ Mr. John PattenThe cost to build and equip an acute 100-bed wing in a district general hospital is estimated to be £1.6 million at current prices. The annual total running costs will be dependant upon the type of acute treatment provided, but it is estimated that these would be of the order of £2.75 million.