HC Deb 21 March 1929 vol 226 c1839
33 and 34. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction at his declared intention to refrain for the present from publishing the Report of the committee which inquired into the London Lock Hospital; and whether he has set a time-limit to the Board within which the reforms promised by them must be carried out;

(2) whether he will publish the correspondence between himself and the board of the London Lock Hospital, including the letter or memorandum from the board on the strength of which he has decided to refrain for the present from publishing the Report of the committee of inquiry?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no evidence of dissatisfaction with the reply which I gave on this matter last week. I have, as I then stated, made myself responsible for ensuring that changes at the Hospital are made with sufficient speed; but it is not practicable to impose a time-limit in affairs of this kind. I cannot undertake to publish the correspondence alluded to in the hon. Member's second question.

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us, at any rate, whether the secretary will be retained in his position, and whether the ex-matron and the assistant matron will be reinstated or given compensation?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not in a position to answer these questions at the present moment. I may be able to do so later.

Mr. DAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that within the life of the present Government he will see that these changes are put into operation?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I never give guarantees unless they are necessary.