asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the opening of the new Royal Gloucestershire Hospital has been delayed; when she now expects the hospital to be opened; and if she will make a statement.

Delay in the opening of phase 111B of the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital has been caused by construction difficulties. The development as a whole was handed over to the South-Western Regional Health Authority by the contractors on 7th February 1975, and the Gloucestershire Area Health Authority is proceeding immediately with commissioning arrangements. It is hoped to admit the first patients towards the end of the year.