§ 25. Mr. Emrvs Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why a new maternity unit is not to be added to the hospital at Ballochmyle.
§ Mr. MaclayThe Western Regional Hospital Board is satisfied that other areas in its region have stronger claims for new maternity accommodation.
§ Mr. HughesDoes this mean that a progressive local authority will be penalised because of the delinquencies of other local authorities? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a developing mining area with an increased population, that the women have to travel long distances by ambulance, that it would cost only £10,000 a year and that all the medical opinion is in favour of it? Will he not look at the matter again?
§ Mr. MaclayI am always willing to examine everything carefully, but the Western Regional Hospital Board has expressed a view, and I have to take that into consideration.