§ Mr. GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has of the proceeds of sales of mental hospitals in Scotland in each of the next seven years.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythOne former mental hospital is currently surplus to Health Service requirements and is expected to be sold during the next financial year. It will be sold on the open market and the proceeds cannot therefore be estimated in advance. I am not in a position to forecast disposals and their proceeds in future years. It is a matter for health boards in the first place to consider closure and, after consultation with local interests, to seek the consent of my right hon. and learned Friend.