HC Deb 07 February 1979 vol 962 c372
4. Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the way in which the Lanarkshire health board is administering the area under its jurisdiction.

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

The Lanarkshire health board inherited considerable problems in its area in 1974. I am satisfied that the board is tackling these as effectively as circumstances permit.

Mr. Robertson

Will the Minister take note of the comments that I made during the Adjournment debate on Monday night? Will he make arrangements to meet urgently the Lanarkshire health board and ask it or his Department to investigate the serious worries expressed by people in the area of Stonehouse hospital?

Mr. Ewing

I apologise to my hon. Friend for my inability to be present at Monday night's debate. I read the report of the debate with great interest. I intend to arrange to meet the Lanarkshire health board at an early date to discuss the problems raised by my hon. Friend and the other problems that the Lanarkshire health board is attempting to handle.