§ Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about the welfare of patients in the Lanarkshire Hospital since the introduction of the 40-hour week; and if he will state the position at Bellshill Maternity Hospital.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe introduction of the 40-hour week for nurses and midwives has not affected the welfare of patients; where additional staff have not been recruited, overtime is being worked. Additional recruitment has in general been satisfactory, but there is a particular staffing problem at Bellshill Maternity Hospital.