asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the proposal for a new unit for mentally handicapped adults at the Highbury Hospital, Nottingham, was first formulated; how many times it has been deferred; and whether the latest deferment is by the decision of the Trent Regional Health Authority.

The proposal was formulated in 1971. For planning purposes a start in 1974–75 was assumed. This was later revised to 1975–76 because changes in the basic specification necessitated some redesign. The Trent Regional Health Authority is currently considering its priorities for 1975–76 within its overall budget.