asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement outlining what plans the Government have regarding the improvement of provision at Altnagelvin hospital in Derry.

The Western health and social services board has submitted outline proposals for a range of improvements at Altnagelvin hospital. These proposals, which are estimated to cost about £5 million, will facilitate the board's strategy for the development of acute hospital services in its area. The board has already set in hand initial planning work and the preparation of an investment appraisal which is required for schemes of this size. Subject to a satisfactory outcome to this exercise, the scheme will be admitted to the capital development programme.