§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 3 May,Official Report, column 498, when he expects to approve the contract agreed between Burley Health Care plc and Ayrshire and Arran health board for replacement care provision arising out of the planned closure of Ravenspark hospital.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 14 June 1994]: The decision on whether or not to contract with Burley Health Care plc is a matter for Ayrshire and Arran health board but, in terms of its accountability to the Secretary of State, the board must be able to demonstrate that its purchasing decisions are firmly based on the assessed needs of its population both in the immediate and longer term; will bring greater benefits to patients; and represent value for money. These matters are under discussion with the health board.