§ 29. Mrs. Hartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that the increase in the number of maternity beds at Bellshill Hospital meets the urgent needs of the new town of East Kilbride for maternity provision near at hand and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GalbraithThe new unit at Bells-hill will go a very long way towards meeting the reasonable needs of the area, including East Kilbride, which it is designed to serve.
§ Mrs. HartIs the Under-Secretary of State aware that it takes at least three hours for people to travel from East Kilbride to Bellshill Hospital, to visit patients there, and to get back again? Is he also aware that the Hairmyres hospital, which is the local hospital, has been willing to have a maternity unit? Is he aware that East Kilbride has the highest birth rate in Scotland and more perambulators to the square mile than anywhere else? Will he reconsider this matter?
§ Mr. GalbraithI understand that the regional hospital board is looking into the possibility of Hairmyres hospital, but I am advised that on the whole it is undesirable to plan maternity services as small units.
§ Miss HerbisonIs not the Minister aware from the number of Questions which have been asked about hospital accommodation that there is very serious concern about it in Scotland? What does he mean by "the reasonable needs" of Lanarkshire? Does that mean 70 per cent. of the cases? Will he not give some consideration to the provision in Hairmyres hospital of this very necessary service for a growing place such as East Kilbride, where there are so many young couples?
§ Mr. SpeakerMrs. Hart.
§ Mr. SpeakerI called the hon. Lady to ask Question No. 30.