asked the Secretary of Slate for Social Services when the £40 million for the replacement royal Devon and Exeter hospital, Wonford, will be released to the South-West regional health authority; and what decisions or action, and by whom, has to precede that release.

Payment of the Department's contribution of £40 million (1986–87 cash) towards the cost of replacing the royal Devon and Exeter hospital (Wonford) will be phased over a period of eight years commencing in 1988–89 when the main contract is expected to be let. An application from South Western regional health authority for approval in principle to the scheme is currently under discussion. As soon as agreement is reached a formal announcement will be made.