I am not going to be tempted—even by the charm of Jamie Stone—to discuss the immediate future of the maternity unit at Wick, although I am sure that it gives great satisfaction to those who use it.

We are satisfied that standards will generally rise if we invest wisely in the health service. As Mr Stone knows, the Arbuthnott committee—the findings of which are being implemented—as well as dealing with some of the problems of areas of high deprivation recognised openly, and in practical ways, the problems of delivering services in rural areas.

There is always a contest and tension between the advice that is received from the medical world about the best way in which to deliver quality services, and the loyalty that a community feels towards an individual hospital. Getting that balance right is not easy.