§ 27. Mr. Prydeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Midlothian County Council is compelled to undertake undue expense through engagement of additional nursing staff for their residential homes; if he is also aware that this is a consequence of the failure of the regional hospital board to provide hospital treatment for aged persons in residential homes; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. J. StuartAs I explained in reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Willis) on 21st February, local authorities are expected to afford such medical and nursing care as is necessary for residents in accommodation provided under Part III of the National Assistance Act for whom admission to hospital is not appropriate or immediately practicable. The Regional Hospital Board expects next month to increase the hospital accommodation for aged sick in Midlothian, by bringing into use for this purpose 28 beds at Loanhead Hospital which was formerly needed for tuberculous children.