§ 55. Mr. LYLEasked the Prime Minister whether, under the provisions of the Ministry of Health Bill, the Minister would have power to institute, in any form, State hospital treatment other than that already sanctioned by Parliament; and whether he would require new legislation to enable him, if he wished, to convert any of the existing Poor Law infirmaries into State-conducted hospitals freed from all stigma of association with poor relief?
§ Major ASTORNo such powers as are sanctioned in the first part of the question are conferred by the Ministry of Health Bill; and specific legislation would be required for the purpose mentioned in the second part.