HC Deb 14 July 2003 vol 409 cc87-8W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he estimates the business plan for the new regional maternity hospital in Belfast will be completed. [124518]

Angela Smith

On 27 June I wrote to the Chairman of the Royal Group of Hospitals Health and Social Services Trust requesting that he proceed immediately with the preparation of the business case for the new regional maternity hospital in Belfast. It is estimated that the business case will take approximately six months to complete.

Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he estimates construction of a new regional maternity hospital in Belfast will begin; and when it will become fully operational. [124519]

Angela Smith

Subject to the business case and approval process, it is anticipated that construction work will begin on-site in 2005 and will take approximately five years to complete.

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