§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he plans to take to avoid or reduce errors in the design and construction of hospitals in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayGuidance on the design and construction of health service buildings is issued to health boards from time to time to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities in this area. Updating of the design and procedural guidance is a continuing process.
Errors in the design or construction of health service buildings are very much the exception. There have been a few cases of such errors, which have received much publicity. But these errors account for only a very small proportion of the£1 billion which has been spent on health service building in Scotland since the NHS reorganisation in 1974. Where problems are shown to be the result of errors in design or construction it is the policy of the Scottish Home and Health Department that the health board should seek redress.
Table B School leavers entering the labour market Age at 31 December of session of leaving Session of leaving school Destination at following October 15 and under 16 17 18 and over Total 1979–80 Scheme (YTS etc.) 25 15 6 3 20 Full-time job 52 67 65 59 58 Unemployed 22 17 27 36 21 Other, not known 1 1 2 2 1 Total entering labour market 100 100 100 100 100 1981–82 Scheme (YTS etc.) 43 28 13 * 34 Full-time job 35 49 51 * 42 Unemployed 20 21 33 * 22 Other, not known 2 3 3 * 2 Total entering labour market 100 100 100 * 100 1983–84 Scheme (YTS etc.) 47 35 7 * 38