§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what assistance will be given to Forth Valley health board by way of additional investment and so on, to develop laboratory services, including virology within the board's area;
(2) what consideration is being given to the rationalisation of laboratories at Falkirk royal infirmary and Stirling royal infirmary on one site; and if he will make a statement;
(3) whether Forth Valley health board will be free to contract out laboratory work currently carried out at Falkirk royal infirmary to other health boards; and if he will make a statement;
(4) what discussions have taken place with privately owned hospitals regarding the future placement of laboratory work currently carried out at Falkirk royal infirmary; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythCapital investment in laboratory services is a matter for the health board to consider in the context of its capital plan. Some £200,000 has been spent recently on improvements at Falkirk and district, and Stirling royal infirmaries. No proposals are being considered at present by the health board for rationalisation of the facilities on one site or to contract out laboratory work to other health boards. The improvements in the respective laboratories will enable the board to carry out a wider range of tests in the existing premises.
There have been no discussions with privately owned hospitals about the future placement of laboratory work currently being carried out at the Falkirk and district royal infirmary.