Health Service, Tayside

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 July 1990.

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Photo of Mr Michael Forsyth Mr Michael Forsyth , Stirling 12:00, 4 July 1990

If the hon. Gentleman arranges to come and see me to discuss these matters—which he has not done—I shall explain the background to them. The hon. Gentleman asked me to justify the changes. The reason is perfectly simple: the medical advice that we are receiving in respect of maternity services suggests that they should be provided where the full range of services provided by a district general hospital are available. A balance has to be struck between meeting the needs of rural areas and meeting the requirements of patient safety. The hon. Gentleman will have to take a more sophisticated approach to these matters if he wishes to continue to represent the interests of his constituents.