§ 51. Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make a further statement about the reorganisation of health services in Scotland.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given on 18th March to the hon. Member for Galloway (Mr. Brewis).—[Vol. 798, c. 396–7.]
§ Mr. MacArthurIs the Minister aware that there is considerable concern in Scotland about the apparent delay in making a further statement? Can he give us any indication when a statement can be expected?
§ Dr. MabonWe must take into account the views of the doctors, and being a doctor I would naturally like them to be considered in this matter. The White Paper on the reform of local 1243 government in England, published in February, has suggested that the health services will not be run by local authorities. That is not necessarily to be the case in Scotland. We are still discussing the matter, and we shall issue a statement as soon as we can.
§ Mr. David SteelWill the Minister give an undertaking that consideration of the reorganisation of the health services will in no way hold up the Government programme of local health centres in different towns in Scotland, which does not seem to be going at the speed originally intended?
§ Dr. MabonI do not see the connection between the second Scottish Green Paper and the progress in health centres, which has been remarkable in the past five years. There were three health centres when we came to office, and now there are 22 built, under construction, or scheduled.