§ 13. Mr. Lambieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many patients on the surgical waiting list at Ayr County Hospital have been offered admission, on a voluntary basis, to Glasgow Western Infirmary; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Edward TaylorSix, Sir. The patients were informed that it was proposed to transfer them to a teaching hospital and gave their prior consent. The arrangement helped to ease the waiting list in Ayrshire.
§ Mr. LambieIs it not strange that Glasgow surgeons are touting for patients on the long waiting list for Ayrshire hospitals to justify their establishments in Glasgow? Should not the general hospital for North Ayrshire be started immediately and another general hospital for South Ayrshire be started in the near future?
Mr. TaylorThe hon. Gentleman has completely misrepresented the position. I was referring to an arrangement for the transfer of six patients which was carried out with their prior consent. The conclusions the hon. Gentleman has drawn cannot be justified from the facts.