HC Deb 23 January 1963 vol 670 cc78-9
34. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the concern in West Fife due to the continued shortage in the provision of maternity beds; and what steps he intends to take to improve the position.

Mr. Brooman-White

Yes, Sir; the South-Eastern Regional Hospital Board intends to provide thirty additional beds at the Dunfermline Maternity Hospital as soon as its resources permit, but other schemes now in hand or being planned for Fife must take priority.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that does not get us very far? Can he tell the House how soon this extra provision will be made? Can he say whether there will be any provision in the Glenrothes area of the constituency because in some cases people are having to travel many miles where there are inadequate transport facilities and this is causing very great hardship?

Mr. Brooman-White

I know that local concern is felt about this, but I cannot say anything further about the date because it is a matter for the regional hospital board to fix priorities.