asked the Secretary of State for Social Services over what period of time it is intended that the new Preston Hospital will be built through its various phases.

The main development of the new Preston Hospital is planned in two phases. It is expected that the first phase, including 36 isolation beds, outpatients department, accident and emergency department. X-ray department and boiler house, will be completed in September 1978; and that the second phase, including 738 beds and 12 theatres, will be completed by March 1980.