§ 30. Mrs. McAlisterasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he now has anything further to report in relation to an extension of maternity bed accommodation in Glasgow, as this problem is still giving concern to those responsible for the maternity services of the city.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneThe regional hospital board is now preparing proposals for further substantial additions to the maternity bed accommodation in Glasgow.
§ Mrs. McAlisterWhilst thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that this is causing very grave concern, as I have stated in my Question, and that maternal and infant mortality figures were actually increased in the last M.O.H. Report? Is he aware that I am glad to hear that he is prepared to do something about this matter?
§ 31. Mrs. McAlisterasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many sanatorium beds have been rendered vacant in the Glasgow area as a result of the new techniques in the treatment of tuberculosis; and to what extent he expects that a proportion of these beds will be avail-able soon for geriatric purposes.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneAbout 120 tuberculosis beds have become redundant in 875 Glasgow in the past year. Of these, 70 have been earmarked for geriatric patients, of which 20 are already in use.
§ Mrs. McAlisterWhilst again thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that large numbers of old people are still living in appalling conditions and that they cannot obtain geriatric beds? Is he aware that many of us are being driven to the reluctant conclusion that the Government have only two speeds—dead slow and stop—but that I am glad to know that they are making some progress, though it is not wholly satisfactory?
§ Mr. BrowneI assure the hon. Lady that we have these considerations very much in the forefront of our minds.