§ 10. Mr. McTaggartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on plans for provision of extra maternity beds in Glasgow following the reduction in the number of beds which will be available at the Royal maternity hospital when necessary renovation work is carried out.
§ Mr. FairgrieveThe provision of maternity beds in Glasgow is a matter for the Greater Glasgow health board.
§ Mr. McTaggartIs the Minister aware that, due to the fact that there is no starting or completion date for the proposed Royal infirmary, over £1 million of public money will have to be spent on the present inadequate facilities at Rotten Row?
§ Mr. FairgrieveI am aware of that position. The Greater Glasgow health board has not been in touch with my Department to say that there are not sufficient maternity beds available in the board's area. The hon. Gentleman is correct in what he says. Although phase 2 of the building of the Glasgow Royal infirmary is mooted, there are no plans for when it will be started. The hon. Gentleman knows that and so does the Glasgow health board.
§ Mr. David MarshallIs the Minister aware that he is being hypocritical about the whole project? Is he aware that on 3 February the Scottish Development Agency estimated unemployment as being about 26 per cent.? Will he not put his money where his mouth is and give the go-ahead to phase 2 and the new maternity block of the Royal infirmary, thereby creating many much needed jobs as well as a much needed facility?
§ Mr. FairgrieveThe GEAR project cannot be considered along with the plans of the health board of Greater Glasgow area or those of any other area.