§ 31. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Health whether the Voluntary Hospitals Commission is still in existence; who is the present chairman; and what were the total grants made to hospitals during 1927 and up to the end of April, 1928?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Final Report of the Commission, of which the right hon. the Earl of Onslow is Chairman, is in the the printer's hands; and the work of the Commission will be concluded with the issue of the Report. Excluding contributions towards specific grant-aided services, the total Exchequer grants in aid of the general expenses of voluntary hospitals since 1918 have amounted to £500,000; and the distribution of this sum by the Commission was completed on the 31st March, 1924.
§ Mr. LUNNIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that many voluntary hospitals are in financial difficulties today, and that there are thousands of cases waiting to be treated at such hospitals; and is there not justifiable reason for keeping the Commission in being, so that it can do something to help hospitals which are in difficulties?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am afraid that there have always been cases when voluntary hospitals have been in financial difficulties, hut a very great improvement has taken place in the last few years, and, in the absence of a further contribution from the Exchequer, I do not think it would he of any use to keep the Commission in being.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIn view of the amount of local financial embarrassment, particularly in milling areas, where there is only part-time work, and in view of the fact that the Onslow Committee recommend that certain provision be made for capital expenditure, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Government might very well assist the voluntary hospitals, which are doing their best to carry on the good work?
§ Lieut. - Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEWould it not be of some help if the Minister relieved them of all rates?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSThey are not a productive industry.