HC Deb 04 May 1983 vol 42 cc227-8
17. Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of bed weeks lost because of remedial building work at the Royal hospital for sick children, Glasgow; and when he expects this work to be completed.

Mr. John MacKay

In the period from February 1978 to the end of March this year a total of 14,238 bed weeks have been lost. All remedial work is now virtually complete and the hospital is expected to be back in full use shortly.

Mr. Carmichael

Is the Minister aware that I have never considered this saga to be a party political matter, but much more a bureaucratic one? I have continually asked that there should be a public inquiry. If the Minister finds, as I think that he will, that the legal process is far too long, will he institute a public inquiry into the background of the hospital and, perhaps through that, find out a great deal more about the conditions in the building industry in Scotland?

Mr. MacKay

I recognise that the hon. Member has taken a continuing and long interest in the Royal hospital for sick children, and he may be the prospective candidate for the seat that encompasses that hospital, which may be of interest to at least one right hon. Member. I think that the hon. Member knows that counsel has always advised us that holding a public inquiry could prejudice the board's legal position in seeking restitution, and as considerable sums of money are involved in the disputation between the board and the builders, it is in the interest of the taxpayer and the Health Service that we do not do anything that might damage our position in our efforts to get some of the money back.

Mr. McQuarrie

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I shall call the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, East (Mr. McQuarrie) and, to be fair, the Opposition Front Bench spokesman, and allow two minutes extra at the end of questions to the Solicitor-General for Scotland.

Mr. McQuarrie

I am grateful for the reply that my hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Kelvingrove (Mr. Carmichael). However, may I ask him to answer the last part of the question? When does he expect the work to be completed, because, as he is well aware, the hospital has suffered for many years while being built, to the detriment of the staff employed in the hospital?

Mr. MacKay

When I visited the hospital a few months ago, the last of the scaffolding was coming down. Only a few small jobs remained to be done and none of those will prevent the hospital from coming into full use.

Mr. Millan

As the hon. Gentleman said that a large sum of money was involved, how does he intend to pursue compensation?

Mr. MacKay

The route is the normal route of a statement of claim and arbitration against the original main contractors, Costain Construction Ltd. That was submitted to the appointed architect in March 1980 and much detailed work and preparation have been done since then. I expect that formal hearings will start early next year.