HC Deb 26 January 1977 vol 924 cc1486-7
17. Mr. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in what ways he intends to mark World Rheumatism Year.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Harry Ewing)

I understand that the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council (Scotland) is planning certain special events in 1977, and if any other interested organisation has plans to draw to my attention I shall be pleased to hear from it. My right hon. Friend has no plans of his own in this connection.

Mr. Thompson

Is that answer not surprising in view of the fact that Scotland's weather, together with the deprivation in West Central Scotland, means that there is a higher incidence of these diseases in that area? Will the Minister undertake to ensure that the Baird Street Centre for Rheumatic Diseases in Glasgow stays open the whole year, since that would be a most useful contribution to World Rheumatism Year?

Mr. Ewing

There are two questions there. First, it is not correct to say that the incidence of rheumatism is increasing. Records show that the incidence is decreasing. It is really out of character for the hon. Member for Galloway (Mr. Thompson) to become involved in the SNP's annual campaign about people dying, last year from hypothermia and this year because of the lack of renal dialysis treatment.

The question about the Baird Clinic is a local management matter. If a decision is taken to close the clinic for the Fair fortnight, it will be against a background of much less use during that fortnight in past years and, therefore, the uneconomic use of the available resources. However, in-patients would be transferred to the nearby Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

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