39. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTANDOYLEasked the Minister of Health whether he has given further considera- 433 tion to the views and representations made to him by the members of the deputation representing the distressed areas last Thursday; and whether, in view of the need of immediate action, he has any further statement to make?
§ Mr. E. BROWNMy right hon. Friend is giving careful consideration to the representations made to him by the deputation, but he is not at present in a position to make any further statement.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLECan the hon. Gentleman say definitely, on behalf of the Minister of Health, that immediate steps will be taken in this matter, seeing that the position is tragically urgent and that something must be done at once, and whether he will see that immediate steps are taken to relieve the deplorable position of these areas?
§ Mr. GROVESHas the Minister made any public statement on the matter, and can Members be furnished with it?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member knows that the case was put by a deputation to the Minister recently, and he is now considering the representations made, which, as is known, were of an urgent character. More than that I cannot say.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the first available opportunity.