§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland for how long the old Ayr county hospital building has been empty; what action has been taken to protect its fabric; what action has been taken to find a new use for it; when he expects it to be re-occupied; and if he will make a statement. [30023]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonAyr county hospital was closed on 31 October 1991 and has been empty since that date. The fabric of the building has been maintained throughout this time in a wind and watertight condition. The hospital has been deemed surplus to requirements by Ayrshire and Arran health board and an offer has been accepted from a property developer who should take possession of the property in December 1995.