HC Deb 25 July 1983 vol 46 cc326-7W
Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has received from Grampian health board regarding the establishment of a hyperbaric centre in Scotland.

Mr. John Mackay

Grampian health board has put proposals to my Department for extending the existing single-chamber facility, presently located at Dyce. The objective of the proposals is to extend and improve the existing medical provision for treatment in emergencies and to facilitate a greater volume of training and research in this field. My Department is now considering this proposal with all the interested parties together with a number of other options for future development.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the two hyperbaric oxygen chambers at the Glasgow western infirmary are yet in use.

Mr. John Mackay

The two chambers are both presently available for use with full medical, nursing and ancillary back-up provided by the Western infirmary.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet received any proposals for a fully updated double blind trial for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, referred to in the Official Report, 4 May, c. 219; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Mackay

My right hon. Friend has received no such definitive proposals. The Medical Research Council is reviewing the need for research, including clinical trials, in this field.