§ Mr. Ancramasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the expected length of life of the proposed new cardiac surgery theatre at the Royal infirmary, Edinburgh, in the light of development plans for the Royal infirmary.
§ Mr. Allan StewartA consultative document on the future development of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary was issued by Lothian health board in August 1981. Whatever decision is reached on the options discussed in this document, the new cardiac surgery theatre which is now being built will be guaranteed a minimum life of at least 15 years. It would not be justifiable to delay work on the proposed improvement of cardiac surgery facilities while discussion continues on the long-term development of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.