HC Deb 06 February 1980 vol 978 c224W
25. Mr. Adams

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the closure of hospitals in the Argyll and Clyde area.

Mr. Fairgrieve

As part of the reorganisation of hospital services following the recent commissioning of the recent Inverclyde royal hospital, five hospitals were closed in 1979 in the Inverclyde district.

The health board recently decided on the basis of professional advice to make alternative arrangements for the services provided at Dumbarton cottage hospital. The board is now considering the future of the hospital and will be consulting interested bodies. If it considers closure is desirable, the Secretary of State's authority will be required.