HC Deb 20 August 1940 vol 364 c1150W
Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health how many buildings in the Sevenoaks rural district have been noted in advance or requisitioned as suitable for the temporary accommodation of air-raid casualties; and by whom the selection of these buildings has been made?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Up to the present three buildings have been noted, by my regional officers or the British Red Cross Society, to serve Sevenoaks rural district as temporary or auxiliary hospitals, although one of them is situated in the urban district. I am having inquiries made from the local authority as to the noting of accommodation for the temporary use of mobile first-aid units.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health what steps his regional medical officers have taken to confer with general practitioners in their areas, and with the authorities of emergency hospitals, with a view to securing that there shall be no waste of medical man-power; and whether he is aware that many general practitioner are still quite unaware of what they are required to do in the event of an air-raid or attempt at invasion?

Mr. MacDonald

As indicated in my previous replies to the hon. Member on this subject, the making of plans for calling upon general practitioners in an emergency has been entrusted to medical officers of health in charge of casualty services, and my regional hospital officers are in close contact with them on this matter. In a number of areas the hospital officer has had meetings with the general practitioners. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his Question on 2nd July.