§ 11. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the provision of the second extension to the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.
§ Mr. MaclayThe sketch plans for this project have been completed and are at present with my Department for approval.
§ Mr. GourlayDoes the right hon. Gentleman remember that he said in December, 1959, that work on this extension would be started in 1961? Is he aware that there is a tremendous shortage of geriatric beds in the Kirkcaldy district? Will he, therefore, do his utmost to ensure that work on this extension is started this year and that it is completed with all possible speed?
§ Mr. MaclayI sometimes hesitate to remember what I said in 1959, but I realise that at that time I gave a date for starting which was six months earlier than is likely to be achieved. I am 950 advised that there is a good chance that, by adopting revised methods for contracting, the finishing date will not be later than I have already forecast.