§ Mr. McAvoyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to announce when Greater Glasgow health board expects to complete the contract with Takare plc.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 20 February 1990]: I have today given Greater Glasgow health board approval to finalise contractual arrangements with Takare plc for the provision of 120 beds for the elderly and elderly with dementia in Rutherglen. This is to be welcomed as an innovative collaboration between Greater Glasgow health board and Takare. It will provide a modern appropriate environment with the highest standards of care for the elderly. This will be achieved more rapidly than the board could otherwise guarantee. The costs will be lower than the board's present costs with savings being reinvested in further improvements in health care for patients in the Greater Glasgow health board area. I am sure the hon. Gentleman will welcome these improvements in the care of the elderly in his constituency.