§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the reason for the delay in starting lung transplants at Glasgow royal infirmary; [4779]
(2) what plans he has to start lung transplants at Glasgow royal infirmary; and if he will make a statement. [4780]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonWe are currently considering a needs assessment on the introduction of lung and heart/lung transplantation in Scotland. A decision will be announced in due course. Our main concern is to ensure the best outcomes for Scottish patients who require these types of transplantation.
§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when funding will be available for the new maternity unit at Glasgow royal infirmary; and if he will make a statement. [4781]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonA business case was approved by the Scottish Office in April 1996 which allowed the Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS Trust to begin work on the procurement process for the new maternity unit. The trust will explore private finance options for this development and have begun work on this process. As the trust is also considering other important capital developments, it has decided to manage these as one project, and so additional planning work has been necessary. The trust aims to undergo the major part of the private finance initiative process in the first half of 1997.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the legal and administrative costs incurred by the Scottish health service central legal office and the royal infirmary in the court case between Mr. Higgins and the royal infirmary, Glasgow; and what was the value of the item upon which the dispute was founded. [4905]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThis is entirely a matter for the Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS trust. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chief executive, Mr Nigel Clifford, for details.