§ 10. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reply he has received from the South-East Regional Hospital Board to his representations for an accelerated provision of geriatric beds in Fife, arising from the delegation to St. Andrew's House on 17th March.
§ Mr. MonroThe board has reviewed its plans and has made proposals which will enable the provision of 60 beds in Glenrothes to start in 1974 instead of only a first phase of 30 beds; these proposals are being urgently considered. Thirty-five additional beds will become available at Cameron Hospital in 1973 by conversion of an existing ward; tide other schemes which will start between 1972 and 1975 will provide a further 360 beds.
§ Mr. GourlayIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, while he has made some progress since 17th March, he has still given 1241 a disappointing reply? I thought we had made him aware of the tragic circumstances which obtain in Fife and that in any case Kirkcaldy area is most in need of beds. I ask the hon. Gentleman to be bold and demand from the Treasury the extra money required to remedy the worst position in Scotland, which is in Fife.
§ Mr. MonroI was grateful to receive the deputation led by the hon. Gentleman, the hon. Member for Dunfermline Burghs (Mr. Adam Hunter) and my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, East (Sir J. Gilmour). I felt that the discussion we had was most valuable. The hon. Gentleman must appreciate that Fife is receiving a very fair proportion of the money spent on geriatric accommodation, and if it is possible for the planning of the new provision at the Victoria Hospital to be expedited it could start on site at the end of 1974.