HC Deb 03 March 1976 vol 906 cc1290-1
5. Mr. Adam Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in the planning for a new general hospital in Dunfermline and district; and when the work is likely to start.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Frank McElhone)

The preparation of the brief and schedules of accommodation for the first phase of the development is well advanced, and I expect approval in principle to be given shortly. I recognise the need for detailed planning to proceed as quickly as possible, but I am not yet able to say when work is likely to start.

Mr. Hunter

Is my hon. Friend aware that the demand for a new hospital in this area has been continuing for over a decade? Within that period two Ministers—my right hon. Friend the Minister of State and the hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. Monro), then in office—have both visited the existing hospital. Does not my hon. Friend think that some rapid progress should be made? Can he help?

Mr. McElhone

I am aware of the continued interest in this project not only by my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline (Mr. Hunter) but by my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton). The necessary consultations have now been completed between the board and the Department about the number of beds, revenue costs and the implications for hospital services in West Fife of phase I of the new hospital. I expect approval in principle to be given shortly, but in the meantime planning is continuing.

Mr. Monro

What has gone wrong with the Minister's hospital building programme? This hospital was firmly in the band years ago. When the Peel Hospital should have been completed in 1979, why has the Minister still not completed the planning stage?

Mr. McElhone

The hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. Monro), who was himself a Minister in the Scottish Office, cannot get away with that. He knows that it was not that far advanced. However, we have considered it and we are going forward to acquire the site and we hope to have a start shortly.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

If the Minister is unsuccessful in fighting for money for a new hospital, will he pay an urgent personal visit to the Neurological Institute in the Southern General Hospital where a third of the beds are not being used and lives are being put at risk because of the financial restrictions?

Mr. McElhone

I am concerned, but I do not accept expressions of concern from the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Taylor), because he was the Minister in December 1970 when this unit was moved from Killearn. These beds have been lying empty for five years—during most of the time of the previous Conservative Government—and it is hypocritical for the hon. Member to chide me when he was the responsible Minister in the first place.

Dr. M. S. Miller

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is not the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Taylor) wrong? Should he not have referred to the situation at the Neuro-Surgical Institute, which has nothing to do with—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is not my business.

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