§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement setting out the terms of his agreement with the Tayside Health Board regarding the future status and function of Arbroath Infirmary and the timetable for implementing these proposals.
§ Mr. Harry EwingConsideration of Tayside Health Board's request for approval to the arrangements it proposed to make to permit the withdrawal of specialist in-patient services from Arbroath Infirmary was suspended because the board had decided that no change would be made until a health centre proposed for the infirmary site had been built and commissioned. In order to maintain specialist services at the infirmary in the meantime, however, it became necessary to determine periods of contractual service for medical staff and my right hon. Friend indicated that he agreed in principle with the eventual withdrawal of specialist in-patient services and with the board's decision that no change should be made until the health centre was available. Nearer that time he will consider the specific proposals for alterations in the organisation of services.
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§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when his decision regarding the proposals to alter the status and functions at Arbroath Infirmary was taken; and which organisations and individuals were informed of that decision at that time.
§ Mr. Harry EwingMy right hon. Friend's agreement in principle with the board's aim to withdraw specialist in-patient services eventually from Arbroath Infirmary was communicated to Tayside Health Board on 26th May 1977.
I regret that the hon. Member was not notified at the same time, but 1 understand that the board advised him, and the large number of organisations and individuals who had earlier lodged representations about the proposals, of this agreement on 6th June.