HC Deb 11 November 1970 vol 806 cc375-6
22. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in the light of plans for increased allocations for hospital building 1971 to 1975, he will now consider the representations of the South-East Regional Hospital Board and make an allocation to enable them to commence the new district hospital for the Borders during this period.

Mr. Edward Taylor

An allocation has already been made to enable development to start on the site of the new district general hospital for the Borders. Any review arising from the increased allocations for hospital building is unlikely to provide for additional phases of this hospital to start in the programme announced on 20th April this year.

Mr. Steel

That reply will be received as rather disappointing. Is the hon. Gentleman saying that of the increased allocation announced by the Chancellor, none will go to the South-East Regional Hospital Board? He must know that the Board itself stated that if any extra money were available over what was already announced, this would be its first priority.

Mr. Taylor

I am sorry if I gave that impression: that is not the position. The position that I mentioned was that it would not be possible for additional phases of the hospital to start in the programme announced on 20th April this year. I do not want to give a general commitment. Clearly, the allocation of the extra money for hospital building is something that we still have to consider in detail.