THE Government last night confirmed any decision over the proposed £431m rebuild of the Royal Liverpool Hospital must wait until the autumn spending review.
Health minister Simon Burns accepted the site was deteriorating and agreed the project was vital for Merseyside’s healthcare and regeneration.
But he insisted that all projects greenlit since January have to be reviewed.
Mr Burns said: “We are facing tremendous difficulties with the tremendous amount of debt we inherited.”
He told Riverside MP Louise Ellman, who forced a short Westminster Hall debate on the issue: “I know it is frustrating, but you will have to wait.”
Garston MP and former justice minister Maria Eagle pointed out further uncertainty could wreck the scheme, no matter what ministers eventually decided.
She pointed out all but £130m of the total tab is due to be picked up by the private sector.
Miss Eagle added: “Investors may not be willing to wait much longer”.
