§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why two major projects for the provision of more geriatric beds in Fife are being delayed; and whether, in view of the need for these facilities, he will review the matter.
§ Mr. William RossThe need for geriatric beds in Fife has been recognised by the priority given to major schemes with geriatric beds in the national hospital programme. Two of these, at Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes, have passed the approval in principle stage, but the subsequent planning process has taken longer than the Fife Health Board had hoped, owing in part to site difficulties at Kirkcaldy and to improvements in the design concept at Glenrothes. A more satisfactory rate of progress should now be possible.