§ 13. Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people died from heart disease in Scotland in each of the last three years; how this compares with the other areas of the United Kingdom; and what steps he proposes to take to increase facilities for research and treatement of this disease.
§ Mr. MonroThe figures are 21,558, 21,878 and 21,497, respectively. These represent higher death rates than in England and Wales and Northern Ireland. My right hon. Friend expects to continue to support all projects for research into heart disease recommended by the Advisory Committee on Medical Research. I have, however, no reason to think that the overall facilities for treatment in Scotland are inadequate.
§ Mr. CarmichaelIn answer to an earlier Question, the hon. Gentleman said that urgent consideration was being given to the upgrading of the cardiac unit at the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow. Do these figures not suggest that greater urgency is required and that there is a genuine feeling of disquiet in the West of Scotland, which we do not want to exacerbate, that the facilities are not quite as good as they should be?
§ Mr. MonroThe upgrading of the Glasgow Royal Infirmary is in the programme and will start next year, so that it will be ready the year after. There are adequate facilities in Scotland and, in relation to the original Question, I assure the hon. Gentleman that we are supporting all research facilities that are requested.