asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many health centres were in full operation on 1st January 1978; how many were in the process of being built: how many had already received approval for future building; what is the number of new plans submitted in the current year; and if he will make a statement.

The latest information I have is that, at 31st March 1977, 731 health centres were in operation in England. During the 1977–78 financial year, 83 health centres were built, a further 66 health centres were under construction at 31st March 1978 and the construction of 95 health centres was planned to start in 1978–79.