HC Deb 26 January 1966 vol 723 cc189-90
9. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will publish his review of the hospital building programme.

Mr. Ross

I expect to publish the review very shortly.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Can the right hon. Gentleman be a little more forthcoming about it? Is he aware that one of the Under-Secretaries of State told us that the review would be published by the end of the year? Will he say which year he has in mind?

Mr. Ross

I shall be more forthcoming very shortly.

Mr. William Hamilton

Will my right hon. Friend be receptive to further suggestions as to what should be included in the revised programme, particularly in regard to the desperate need for a new general hospital in West Fife?

Mr. Ross

As my hon. Friend knows, I am always very willing to listen to him.

Mr. Woodburn

In the review will my right hon. Friend look very carefully at the proposals to scrap very valuable hospital accommodation in order to rebuild on the same site where the existing hospital accommodation might prove very valuable in meeting the increasing needs of geriatrics and a new scientific hospital could be built more easily elsewhere?

Mr. Ross

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Stodart

If the right hon. Gentleman is going to listen to the representations of his hon. and right hon. Friends in this matter, can he explain how he will be able to publish the review very shortly?

Mr. Ross

Because we do things much more speedily than the previous Government did.