HC Deb 16 July 1908 vol 192 cc1094-5
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that some years ago it was arranged, as a provision in case of accident or illness of Members or others persons in the Houses of Parliament, that a properly-equipped medicine chest would be provided, and also a room in which those needing prompt medical attention could be treated; whether he is aware that on a recent occasion, when a Member of the House required medical aid, it was found that the so-called medical chest consisted of a small basket less than twelve inches square, which did not contain the most ordinary first-aid requirements, some of which had to be obtained from a neighbouring hospital; whether he can explain this state of things; and will he invite some of the medical Members of the House to suggest what necessary medicines and medical appliances should be provided, and see that they are available in the shortest possible time in case of accident or sudden illness.

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. L. HARCOURT,) Lancashire, N.E., Rossendale

The Sergeant-at-Arms has for many years generously placed his room at the disposal of Members when medical attention is required. I much regret to hear that the medicine chest on a recent occasion was found to be insufficiently equipped, but I am informed that the material required was available in the box attached to the ambulance if that had been examined. I shall take immediate steps to obtain the best gratuitous advice from the medical Members of this House as to what is required, and see that it is provided and is easily and immediately available in case of emergency.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

asked who was responsible for not having examined the alleged medicine chest on this particular occasion.

MR. L. HARCOURT

The whole matter is very complicated. It was decided two years ago that it would be impossible to bear the expense of such a service on any of the Votes. Therefore we are indebted to the generosity of the hon. Member for Edinburgh University for the provision of the medicine chest. When it required to be replenished a year ago, owing to the difficulty that faced me in view of the Comptroller and Auditor-General, I was compelled to ask the same hon. Member to replenish it at his own expense. I have made arrangements recently by which I hope to be able to supply the necessities of al Members.

MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)

Will you have to get an outdoor medical relief order?