asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement regarding the proposal to close the Naval Hospital at Port Edgar, showing how this will affect other hospitals in the area, and stating to what use it is intended to put the vacated hospital.

I understand that naval patients will in future be admitted to other Service hospitals, except in cases of acute illness. The additional load on civil hospitals in the district will therefore be inconsiderable. The Regional Hospital Board have proposed using the Port Edgar buildings for civil hospital purposes, and the Admiralty are now considering this proposal.

Does that mean that the civilian staff will be retained?

I should think that that would not be decided until the final decision is taken upon the hospital.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what the maximum capacity of the Port Edgar Hospital is?

No, I am sorry, I could not without notice.