§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet the chairman of the Borders health board in order to discuss the need for a custom built replacement for Hawick cottage hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy noble and learned Friend, the Minister of State meets chairmen of health boards regularly to discuss a wide range of strategic issues affecting the management of the NHS in Scotland. I understand that Borders health board is appraising options for the future provision of community hospital services in Hawick and that these considerations are at a preliminary stage.