HC Deb 13 February 1963 vol 671 cc1292-3
21. Mr. J. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to deal with the shortage of beds in maternity hospitals in the Paisley district.

Mr. Noble

The Western Regional Hospital Board intends to incorporate provision for additional maternity beds in the new general hospital for Paisley and district which is provided for in the Hospital Plan.

Mr. Robertson

Does the Secretary of State realise that this is an urgent and an immediate problem? Does he appreciate that it will be ten or twelve years before the new general hospital at Paisley is completed if approval is given to start it now? What will be done during the next ten years to solve this very urgent problem?

Mr. Noble

The question of the starting date for this, within the Hospital Plan, is one for the regional hospital board. The House should be aware that already about 70 per cent. of the births in Renfrewshire are taking place in hospitals or nursing homes. Any additional suggestion for speeding up beds in maternity homes should come from the regional hospital board.