asked the Minister of Heath when the second and later stages of construction of the new South Shields General Hospital are to be started.

This is one of the matters to be considered in the course of the current review of the hospital building programme.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been very considerable anxiety in South Shields and district because of some reported statements about possible starting dates? Will he keep in mind, as regional boards do, the rapid heavy industrial development which is taking place in the area and which involves a large increase in the number of men at risk?

I will certainly take that consideration into account, as I am sure the regional board will have done.