§ 8. Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make a statement about the general improvement of facilities at Peel Hospital and the state of construction at Huntlyburn.
§ Mr. MonroThe board of management for the Scottish Borders Hospitals is formulating revised proposals for improvements at Peel Hospital and these will be considered by the regional hospital board. A start to the first phase of the new hospital at Huntlyburn is expected in about three years' time.
§ Mr. SteelWill the Under-Secretary undertake that, in the event of any continuing disagreement between the board of management for the Borders Hospitals and the regional hospital board, he will use the good offices of his Department to get a firm statement as soon as possible on how public money will be spent 444 both at Peel Hospital and at the Huntlyburn site?
§ Mr. MonroI appreciate what the hon. Gentleman is saying. The need for improvement at Peel Hospital is not in dispute. The issue is the extent, cost and timing of the improvements consistent with the life of the hospital. The next stage is a meeting of the regional hospital board early next month at which I hope these differences of opinion can be resolved.