asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations he is having concerning the hospital building programme in Derbyshire in order to cut down the waiting time for both major and minor operations.

Discussions with the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board on the question of district general hospital provision for the Derby area are expected to take place in the New Year. The first phase of redevelopment of Derby Royal Infirmary, which includes seven operating theatres, is expected to be completed by the end of 1972. The planning of a new district hospital in Chesterfield is in progress.