HC Deb 13 November 1956 vol 560 cc727-8
10 and 11. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he is aware of the inadequate accommodation and equipment of the radiotherapy unit in the Western Infirmary, Glasgow; and when the new unit will be installed;

(2) if he is satisfied with the present facilities and equipment for deep ray therapy treatment in the Western Region compared with the rest of Scotland; and what plans he has for their improvement.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have agreed with the Western Regional Hospital Board that its facilities for radiotherapy should be improved as a matter of urgency. The Cancer Committee of the Scottish Health Services Council is advising on certain aspects of the matter; and I expect to have the advice of the Committee shortly. To meet the immediate needs of the Western Infirmary, the Regional Board has just replaced one obsolete therapy unit and has plans to provide two additional ones for next year.

Mr. Hannan

While appreciating what the right hon. Gentleman has just said, and the decision made, may I ask him how long this matter has been going on, and when the decision was taken? Was it, indeed, taken only within the last week?

Mr. Stuart

I have not the exact date with me, but I can assure the hon. Member that I do appreciate the need for this, and work will be put in hand as rapidly as possible. It is contemplated that this new department in Glasgow will be a counterpart of the Edinburgh Institute, and that, between them, they will be able to treat the patients for whom the different institutes are the more suitable.