§ 9. Mr. Adam Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the provision of a health centre in Oakley, Fife.
§ Mr. Robert HughesTenders were invited on 4th May for return by 7th June 1974. The latest date for acceptance is 7th August, and the results of the invitation are at present being examined.
§ Mr. HunterIs my hon. Friend aware that the Hunterston saga mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr. Lambie) yesterday is not the only one to crop up this week? The Oakley centre is another one. This centre was fourth on Fife County Council's lists of priorities 12 years ago, and I raised the matter several times with Ministers, in and out of Parliament, for two years. Is my hon. Friend further aware that the people in Oakley and district have to suffer an inadequate chiropody service, by mobile van, and the old people particularly are suffering? Will he inject some urgency into the matter?
§ Mr. HughesI am aware of the saga to which my hon. Friend referred. The previous tenders in 1973 were too high and fresh tenders had to be sought. We simply must keep some control over costs in relation to estimates. The tenders are now in and we are examining them, and if it is possible to accept one of them we shall do so.
§ Mr. GrayWill the Minister bear in mind that his Department has been pursued about this matter in respect of Tain, Dingwall and Alness, in my constituency, for a considerable time? Will he do everything in his power to make sure that these are proceeded with without delay?
§ Mr. HughesThe hon. Member had better put down a Question about that, since Oakley is in Fife and is not in the hon. Member's constituency. I take his point, but I would not be surprised to find that they were held back because of the expenditure cuts of 17th December.