§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to give a figure for the reasonable additional costs incurred by the National Health Service for training nurses employed by Health Care International.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe detailed arrangements for nurse training are the subject of continuing discussion between HCI, Greater Glasgow health board and the Scottish Home and Health Department.
§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what sanctions are available to him in the event of Health Care International failing to fulfil the undertakings given to him to apply National Health Service conditions of service to their staff.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThere is no reason why Health Care International should not abide by the undertakings, which it volunteered, to apply NHS remuneration and conditions of service to medical, nursing, other professional and technical staff. There are sanctions, in terms of inability to register with Greater Glasgow health board in accordance with the Nursing Homes Registration (Scotland) Act 1938 if the terms of the authorisation have not been met.
§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library a copy of the undertakings given to him by Health Care International that it will not compete with the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythYes. A copy of the Health Care International application and the terms of the Secretary of State's authorisation will be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he received concerning the Health Care International proposal for a private hospital in Clydebank; how many of these favoured the proposal; how many opposed; how many sought safeguards for existing medical provision in west central Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythForty persons or bodies sent observations to the Secretary of State about the application. Many of those consulted saw both benefits and drawbacks and the views varied as to the impact which the development might have on the National Health Service; the concerns most commonly addressed were those of the supply of qualified nurses and of blood and blood products. I believe that these concerns have been fully addressed by the conditions which have been attached to the authorisation.