HC Deb 31 January 1973 vol 849 c1338
5. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what date he proposes to have constructed a health centre at Peebles.

Mr. Monro

I cannot make a forecast at this stage.

Mr. Steel

Is the Minister aware that the matter has been discussed for many years and that his answer will come as a great disappointment? Is he aware that both the War Memorial Hospital and the County Hospital in the town are severely out-of-date buildings?

Mr. Monro

I understand the hon. Gentleman's point, and I think he will appreciate that we want to replace the two old hospitals he mentioned by a new one, but that is not yet in the building programme. Next month my officials will be meeting the regional hospital board to consider the situation. If the hospital is still to be a long way away, perhaps we could consider a method of advancing the health centre by itself.