§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hospitals will be closed in the foreseeable future; what are the reasons for these closures; what types of hospital are involved; and what is the location of each hospital.
§ Mr. NobleIt is not possible to prepare a list of hospitals which may be closed within the next few years. Some small hospitals which can no longer usefully or economically discharge their former functions will be closed when suitable alternative arrangements can be made, and as the major building programme progresses there will be further closures of smaller hospitals to obtain the maximum efficiency from the service as a whole. In all such cases decisions will be taken as occasion arises.