HC Deb 07 April 1971 vol 815 cc437-8
30. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what facilities for orthodontic treatment are presently available at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Edward Taylor

Only consultative facilities are at present available in the orthodontic clinic at Victoria Hospital, and patients requiring treatment travel to Edinburgh. The South-Eastern Regional Hospital Board is considering how the premises, equipment and staff at the clinic can be expanded to enable treatment facilities to be provided at Kirkcaldy.

Mr. Gourlay

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this problem has been under consideration for quite a number of years and that there are a large number of children who have to travel to Edinburgh, which is expensive both in parents' time and in money? Would he not consider directing the hospital board to use the empty facilities in the orthopaedic hospital to provide the necessary orthodontic services?

Mr. Taylor

I am aware that the hon. Gentleman has been pressing this matter for a considerable time. The decision is really for the hospital board, which has decided that treatment facilities should be provided and is considering how this can be done.