HC Deb 17 February 1953 vol 511 c1048
19. Mr. Pryde

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the urgent demand for hospital service in the developing mining area of Midlothian; and if he will make a statement.

Commander Galbraith

This area is served by Edinburgh hospitals, and I am afraid I cannot hold out any prospect of a new hospital in the area in the near future.

Mr. Pryde

In view of the fact that 710 square miles of rapidly developing territory is served only by the City of Edinburgh, does it not seem strange to the Joint Under-Secretary that where we are building a new town, without the assistance of the New Towns Act, the same sort of incentive should not be applied to the county?

Commander Galbraith

Yes, but the facilities in Edinburgh are very readily available for the particular areas to which the hon. Gentleman refers, and developments are taking place or will take place there.