HC Deb 25 November 1958 vol 596 cc202-3
20. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now authorise a start to the construction of the new maternity hospital in Glasgow originally intended to begin in 1958–59.

Mr. Maclay

The planning of this hospital is well under way, and I can assure the hon. Member that construction will start as soon as the preparatory work has been completed.

Mr. Hannan

That hardly answers the Question on the Paper. Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the urgency of this problem in Glasgow, where only 57 per cent. of expectant mothers can be accommodated in hospitals in comparison with 80 per cent. in other towns? Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that the Government's policy of economic restriction is falling most harshly on schools and hospitals?

Mr. Maclay

The hon. Gentleman's remarks are not justified by my answer. This hospital is in the planning stage. We cannot authorise a start until we know what are the plans. There has been nothing to hold it up in recent months of which I know.

Mr. Hannan

But the report of the Department of Health indicates that a start on this hospital has been delayed until 1959–60, when it was intended to start this in 1958–59; surely that is a delay?

Mr. Maclay

I will check the facts again, but my understanding is that it is the planning of the hospital which at the moment is holding up the matter. There is a lot of work to be done on the planning of the hospital.

Mr. Hannan

In order to be sure that this will be discussed and, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.