§ 15. Mr. MYERSasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the agreement made between the Bradford Corporation and the Bradford Board of Guardians in respect of the utilising of St. Luke's Hospital as a municipal general hospital; whether he is aware that this arrangement will enable the Bradford Corporation to treat the sick, irrespective of their economic circumstances, and avoid the stigma attached to Poor Law treatment; whether the Ministry of Health is prepared to encourage and assist the project; and, if so, will he inquire into the circumstances prevailing 1373 in his Department which are stated to be causing delay in putting the scheme into operation?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)The scheme to which the hon. Member refers was approved by me last month.
§ Mr. LYLEWill the consent of the Ministry of Health be extended to other local authorities putting forward similar proposals, and does this step agree with the policy enunciated in February, 1919, in this House and elsewhere? Is the right hon. Gentleman now in a position to make a statement on the policy of the Department in respect to voluntary hospitals?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better give notice of that question.