September 24, 1976

PRIME Minister Jim Callaghan told Redditch this week that it must work hard to help to produce a stable economy before a hospital could be built.

Mr Callaghan was replying to the protestors who interrupted his speech in Worcester Square at the opening of the second phase of the multi-million pound Kingfisher Centre with cries of 'We want a hospital now' and 'More ops, less shops'.

Mr Callaghan said: 'I understand how people must feel about this. The regional health authority has to start looking at its money and priorities within certain limits.

'People will have to face the fact that they cannot have everything at once.

'The basis to proceed on is one of strong origin, based on the manufacturing industry. This will supply more public expenditure from which we can build our hospitals.'

He was greeted by more boos and shouts from protestors.