§ 3. Mr. Steeleasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date work commenced on the Vale of Leven Hospital; when it was completed; when the hospital was opened for use; and if satisfactory arrangements for outpatients have now been completed.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)The main building work was begun in April, 1952, and the hospital was opened for use in December, 1955. The Regional Hospital Board is aware that the present accommodation for out-patients is not completely satisfactory, and intends to provide improved facilities as soon as prior demands on its resources allow.
§ Mr. SteeleWould the Secretary of State agree that this hospital was planned under the Labour Government, and was built under the Civil Defence Vote and not under the National Health Service at 943 all? In view of this, was it not rather sharp practice that the Tory Party, in a political broadcast recently, claimed this as the only hospital that had been built under a Tory Government over the past ten years?
§ Mr. MaclayI should have to study the full implications of the hon. Member's timing and everything else before basing comment on such an interesting statement.