§ 41. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the building of the extension to the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, was commenced; what is the scheduled date of completion; and when it is now expected to be ready for use.
§ Mr. MaclayBuilding on this scheme started in December, 1955, and is expected to be completed in the spring of 1960. I hope that the main accommodation will be in use by the autumn of 1960.
§ Mr. GourlayIs the Minister aware that on occasions one could count more men building a private bungalow in Kirkcaldy than could be seen on this huge building, and that in Kirkcaldy, we are under the impression that it is the fact of insufficient funds having been allocated annually to the regional hospital board which has necessitated the long delay in completing this hospital? Will he do everything possible to expedite the completion of this building?
§ Mr. MaclayI do not think the reasons given by the hon. Member in his supplementary question are correct. There was some delay in the early sages of the work, due to the discovery of old mine workings, and, as he will know, there was also a short delay when it was decided that there should be further extension to this project
§ Mr. ManuelIs not the right hon Gentleman aware that the global sums which he is allocating to regional hospital boards throughout Scotland are quite insufficient, and that these boards are all complaining bitterly about the cramping nature of the financial restrictions in not allowing them to build hospitals, hospital extensions and nurses' homes in the way which they would like to do if greater financial allocations were made to them?
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. Member will note that the recent announcement about 222 the developments in teaching hospitals was received with considerable satisfaction.
§ 42. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is intended to start work on the second extension to Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy; and how long it will take to complete.
§ Mr. MaclayIt is hoped that building will begin in 1961 and he completed by 1965.
§ Mr. GourlayIn view of the extensive development in the East Fife area and the consequent urgency of providing more hospital beds, will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that sufficient finance is available to expedite the completion of the second extension?
§ Mr. MaclayI am told that in this case the time of building is determined not by finance but by the practical problems of building this kind of hospital. I agree with the hon. Member that it seems to have taken a long time, but I am told that that is unavoidable However, I am investigating the delays
§ Mr. GourlayWill not the right hon Gentleman agree that four years is a long time for completing this building? Will he not agree that if more finance were forthcoming, it would enable the building to be completed in about three years?
§ Mr. MaclayI assure the hon Member that four years seems to be the time taken all over the country for building this type of hospital. We are investigating whether we can improve on that time.