asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is intended to replace the present War Memorial Hospital in Peebles.

A site was obtained two years ago at Hay Lodge, where the existing premises are used for out-patient purposes. My right hon. Friend regrets that, in present circumstances, he cannot say when it will be possible to start building the new hospital.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this hospital is very badly sited beside the River Tweed, and that, when the river is in flood, the whole hospital has to be cleared out?

I am aware of that fact, but there are other serious and priority matters to be dealt with by the Regional Board.