§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has yet received the option appraisal document relating to maternity, obstetric and gynaecological services in Moray; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what official consultations he has held in the past three months with (a) Grampian health board and (b) Moray health council in connection with the development of maternity services in Moray;
(3) what time scale he envisages for (a) improvement of existing maternity services in Moray and (b) the establishment of enhanced maternity services in Moray;
(4) when he anticipates making a public pronouncement on the future development of maternity services in Moray.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythGrampian health board's option appraisal submission has been received and, in view of the scale of investment required for the preferred option, it is being given detailed and careful consideration.
I have not met either the Grampian health board or Moray local health council within the last three months.
Grampian health board has already improved maternity services in west Grampian and I understand that agreement has also been reached on the transfer of obstetric, gynaecological and paediatric services for patients west of the Spey to Highland health board.