New Hospital, Airdrie

Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 24 June 1964.

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Photo of Mr James Dempsey Mr James Dempsey , Coatbridge and Airdrie 12:00, 24 June 1964

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an approximate starting and finishing date for the new general hospital to be built in Airdrie; and if he will make a statement.

Photo of Mr James Stodart Mr James Stodart , Edinburgh West

This project is at present expected to start in 1968 and to take about four years to complete.

Photo of Mr James Dempsey Mr James Dempsey , Coatbridge and Airdrie

Will the plans be completed by 1968? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that planning is being held up because the planners are tackling this onerous task only in their spare time? In view of the fact that general hospitals in this part of the country are already a century out of date, is it not about time that the hon. Gentleman expedited the starting of this new building?

Photo of Mr James Stodart Mr James Stodart , Edinburgh West

My information is that the start is not being held up because of planning delays. The starting date of this scheme could not be brought forward without disturbing an order of priority which was settled after full consideration of hospital needs.

Photo of Mr George Lawson Mr George Lawson , Motherwell

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us who was consulted and by what process of consultation the order of priority putting Motherwell after Airdrie was decided?

Photo of Mr James Stodart Mr James Stodart , Edinburgh West

There was certainly correspondence with the chairmen of the regional hospital boards, who were well aware of what was intended.