HC Deb 02 February 1983 vol 36 cc287-8
6. Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to improve psychogeriatric services in the Western Isles.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John MacKay)

Responsibility for services in the Western Isles is a matter for the Western Isles health board in the first instance. I have, however, undertaken to discuss with the right hon. Gentleman any suggestions he may care to make.

Mr. Stewart

I thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware that doctors and hospitals in the area are deeply concerned about what they describe as a "crisis point", and that it is against current psychiatric practice to fly patients away from their homes to Inverness, where they are out of reach of visits from their relatives and friends? When considering the allocation for the Western Isles in the plans for Craig Dunain hospital, will he try to ensure that a hospital is built instead in the Western Isles?

Mr. MacKay

I share the right hon. Gentleman's view that the arrangement is not ideal, but, after many years of considering the planning, it has been decided that it represents the best use of available resources. As the right hon. Gentleman probably knows, the health board has submitted a request for approval of a post for a consultant psychiatrist, and we are considering that.

Mr. Dalyell

Do Ministers recollect the telegram that was sent by the imaginative Labour candidate for Western Isles, Brian Wilson, which said "Send Shackleton here"? How do Ministers justify the hypocrisy that when money is needed in the Western Isles or for investment in West Lothian, £684 million has been earmarked next year for West Falkland?

Mr. MacKay

The relevance of that question almost escapes me. If the hon. Gentleman considered the whole sphere of psychiatric care in the Western Isles, he might begin to understand the health care patterns there. Perhaps I am being a little optimistic, given that the hon. Gentleman does not understand the needs of the Falkland Islanders.

Mr. Robert Hughes

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that I should like to raise a point of order at the end of Question Time as a result of an answer given by the Under-Secretary of State.