HC Deb 17 February 1953 vol 511 cc1052-4
30. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many building projects have been submitted to his Department by regional hospital boards; how many of these projects he has authorised; and how many will be actively commenced this year.

Commander Galbraith

The provisional building programmes submitted by regional hospital boards for 1953 include 98 projects costing more than £10,000 each. All these projects have been approved in principle, and work had already started on 57 of them by the end of 1952. Having regard to the heavy programme of work on projects already begun and to the fact that final programmes have not yet been received from all the regional boards, I cannot yet estimate how many of the remaining 41 projects will be actively commenced in 1953.

Mr. Manuel

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the information he has given to the House will be most depressing to the members of regional hospital boards; that it is clear from his statement that none of the latter projects which he mentioned will be actively commenced this year; that the lack of nurses' homes, for instance, near or adjacent to our hospitals is having a very bad effect on the recruitment of nurses up to the number we want; and would he give that aspect his particular attention, and possibly allow some schemes of this nature to go forward this year?

Commander Galbraith

I do not think it can be considered depressing that 57 out of 98 projects are already under way, and that another 41 are being actively considered at the moment.

Mr. Wheatley

How many of the 57 which have been started are major projects and how many minor projects; and of the 41 which have not been started how many are major projects and how many are minor projects?

Commander Galbraith

All those started are considered major projects, exceeding over £10,000 each.

Mr. Wheatley

Oh, no.

Commander Galbraith

Those are considered to be major projects. The others, of course, do not come to the Department.

Mr. Pryde

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman explain why Ayrshire is being given preference over Midlothian when Midlothian is a reception area receiving the transfer of redundant miners from Lanarkshire?

Commander Galbraith

I was not aware that it was.