§ 36. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay in starting the building of the health centre at Burntisland, and in authorising borrowing approval to Fife County Council.
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§ Mr. MonroThis health centre is being provided by Fife County Council under delegated powers conveyed to it in June, 1972. Further action rests with the local authority design team, and I understand that working drawings are in course of preparation. Application for borrowing consent was made in September, and additional financial information provided on 23rd October. This is under consideration.
§ 49. Mr. William Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the lack of progress of the health centre building programme in Glasgow; whether sites have now been decided upon in Maryhill and Possilpark areas; and if he will take steps to assist the general programme.
§ Mr. MonroI regard the programme for the provision of health centres in Glasgow as of high priority and I regret the unavoidable delays in implementing it. My right hon. Friend's Department, in co-operation with the various authorities concerned, is doing everything possible to ensure that the programme is implemented as rapidly as the identification and acquisition of sites, and agreement with the various interests involved on the facilities to be provided in each centre, will allow.
In addition to the health centre at Woodside, which has been in operation since March, 1971, the centre at Govan is now under construction and tenders have been invited for the centre at Gorbals. Sites have been agreed for the health centres to serve the Maryhill and Possilpark areas and planning is proceeding.