§ 17. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the need for expanding existing accommodation at the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow, in order to provide for the growing demands on the out-patients' departments and to relieve the congested conditions in which the research work of the hospital is now carried out; and what steps he proposes to take to implement the necessary structural extension which was accepted as essential in 1936.
§ Mr. J. StuartThis is a matter in the first instance for the regional hospital board, which has had an outline scheme for new building at the Victoria Infirmary before it for some time. This would involve expenditure of over £600,000, and it is not possible to say when work on this scale could be undertaken. The regional board is, however, considering whether necessary improvements could be carried out in stages.
§ Mr. RankinThat is the trouble with the management committee, that it is in difficulty in knowing what the regional board will do about this matter. Is the Secretary of State aware that the population of Glasgow on the south side of the river has increased greatly during the last 25 years and that the accommodation at this hospital has remained stationary? Can he not now urge the regional board to reveal the schemes that it has in mind?
§ Mr. StuartYes, I think that is the correct answer. I admit what the hon. Gentleman has said about the outpatients' department and the laboratories 1636 being badly congested, and redesigning for phasing the scheme is the right solution.