§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his response, with particular reference to the Tayside area, to the Howie report on safety in laboratories; and if he will provide increased funds to ensure that the recommendations in the report are implemented.
§ Mr. Allan Stewart:The Howie code of practice was issued to health boards in June 1979 with a request that its recommendations should be implemented over a three year period, the costs being met from the board's general allocations. Many of the recommendations can be implemented as part of the general programme of health boards for improving and replacing laboratory facilities. It is not the practice to make additional allocations of funds for particular purposes and I see no need for doing so in this case.