§ 48. Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much public money will be spent on improvements to Peel Hospital over the next five years.
Mr. Edward TaylorSchemes at present in the regional board's programme involve expenditure of about £76.000 during the period April, 1971, to March, 1976.
§ Mr. SteelWill the hon. Gentleman recognise that it is very important that as quick a decision as possible is taken about a starting date for the new hospital, 447 and that Peel Hospital is so sub-standard that it will require substantial sums of money over the next few years until the new hospital is built?
Mr. TaylorThe programme of major hospital building projects to start from 1972–73 onwards already includes provision for a development of about 90 geriatric beds and central services to start on the site for the new district general hospital. Any review of this programme arising from the additional allocation is not likely to provide for additional phases of this hospital.