HC Deb 06 April 1932 vol 264 c138
9. Sir JOHN HASLAM

asked the Minister of Transport if he has any information to give to the House as to the cost to the hospitals of the country during 1931 of treating motor accident cases; and what proportion of such cost has been recovered by them under the Road Traffic Act?

Mr PYBUS

I regret that I am not in possession of the information asked for.

Sir J. HASLAM

Will the Minister make inquiries, because those of us who are interested in hospitals know that the receipts are infinitesimal as compared with the cost to the hospitals, and we fully expected a different state of affairs when the Bill was passed in the last Session?

Mr. PYBUS

I am entirely sympathetic with the hon. Gentleman, but, as he will appreciate, the information is very difficult to procure. However, I will try again.

Sir J. NALL

Could not my hon. Friend ask the police authorities to send the accident cases to the Poor Law hospitals, which are in a position to make charges, rather than impose on the voluntary hospitals?