§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on the reasons for the Scottish Office's refusal to give its approval to a contract agreed between Ayrshire and Arran health board and the company Burley for replacement care provision arising out of the planned closure of Ravenspark hospital;
(2) if he will make a statement indicating when Ayrshire and Arran health board now expects Ravenspark hospital to close.
§ Mr. StewartThe Scottish Office has not refused to approve a contract between Ayrshire and Arran health board and Burley Health Care plc. The board has been asked to look at the future needs, size and location of services for the elderly mentally ill throughout Ayrshire, before completing a contract with Burley Health Care.
Ayrshire and Arran health board has decided that Ravenspark hospital will close early in 1995 when suitable alternative care settings have been made available for the present residents. Hospital closures require public consultation and the approval of the Secretary of State.