§ 19. Lieut. - Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Health if he has received complaints with regard to the management of the London Lock Hospital; if he is in a position to reassure the public on the subject; and, if not, in view both of the grants made to it by public authorities and of the national importance of the work which it undertakes, will he direct an inquiry to be made?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe hospital in question is a voluntary one, and my hon. 1163 and gallant Friend will appreciate that the general management of voluntary hospitals does not come under my review. Any grants to this hospital in respect of specific services are made by local authorities, principally by the London County Council. I understand that the council have given notice of withdrawal of their grant in connection with a general review of their arrangements for the venereal disease service, and I have concurred in their proposed action. In these circumstances there seems no reason for any inquiry?
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEIf the right hon. Gentleman were specially asked to do so by the board of management, would he be prepared to appoint a committee of inquiry?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes. If the board of management made a request to me for an inquiry into the general management of the hospital, I should be prepared to consider that question.