HC Deb 13 February 1963 vol 671 c1294
23. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the shortage of hospital beds for the mentally handicapped in Fife, and of the unemployment problem there, he will sanction the immediate provision of additional accommodation.

Mr. Noble

The planning of the proposed new mental deficiency hospital near Dunfermline is proceeding without delay, but it will not be possible to make an early start with the building.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, however desirable this provision is, it will not be effective for many years and meanwhile there is great hardship among these people because the capital investment programme over the last few years has been totally inadequate? Is he aware that the nigger in the woodpile is the Treasury? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman root him out?

Mr. Noble

The hon. Gentleman is quite clear that there is some method by which the Scottish Office can overrule the Treasury. All I can assure him is that the planning of this hospital is going ahead as fast as I can keep it going.