§ 80. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Health when the Report of the Voluntary Hospitals Commission is likely to be in the Vote Office?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend hopes that the Report will be issued this month.
§ 81. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the great increase in cases caused by motor accidents which have to be dealt with by the hospitals, he will take steps to call a conference between representatives of the voluntary hospitals, insurance companies and other organisations concerned, for the purpose of drafting a scheme to cover the expenses of the treatment of cases caused by motor accidents?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend must receive and consider the forthcoming Final Report of the Voluntary Hospitals Commission before deciding whether to take action on the lines which the hon. Member suggests.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year there were more than 100,000 motoring accidents, which cost the voluntary hospitals more than £500,000, and that thousands of people, for whom these hospitals were created, are waiting for treatment who cannot be treated because of these motoring cases, which go into the hospital and pay nothing for their treatment?
§ Sir K. WOODThose facts may very well be true, and when we receive the Final Report of the Commission I hope we shall be able to give this matter further consideration.