§ 40. Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Pensions whether the clinics for ear, nose, throat, and eyes at the Adelphi Hotel, Glasgow, have been definitely closed; whether he can state by whose orders or advice this has been done; and what are the reasons?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)The clinics referred to were closed in accordance with the advice of the Ministry's responsible medical advisers when the number of patients had fallen to an extent that rendered the maintenance of separate clinics by the Ministry no longer justifiable. Suitable arrangements have been made for the treatment of any cases at the local civil hospitals, in accordance with the normal practice of the Ministry.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it not a fact that cases are now being treated at the same place, and are being dealt with by another doctor?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYI am not aware of that fact. All I am concerned with is whether we are justified in keeping the clinics open when there is not sufficient work to keep them occupied.
§ Mr. MACLEANSurely the information sent to the hon. and gallant Gentleman will be sufficient to show that, although the clinics have been closed, the work is still being carried on in the same place.
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYIf the hon. Member wishes to know the exact number of cases that have to be, treated, there were nine ophthalmic cases in the whole of the Glasgow area, and only four aural cases, and that is not sufficient to justify keeping the clinics open.
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman inform the House how many nose and throat cases were treated?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYAs far as I could make out when I went into the matter this morning, there was none.