§ 31. Sir F. FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that the councils of counties and county borough, and more especially the London County Council, have effectually consulted, and are continuing to consult, the representatives of voluntary hospitals to secure co-operation both in the spirit And letter of Section 13 of the Local Government Act, 1929?
Sir H. YOUNGThe information in my possession shows that both in London and in the country generally effect is being given to the policy embodied in Section 13 of the Local Government Act. Where necessary, the attention of local authorities is directed to the importance of this matter on the survey of their public health services.
§ Sir F. FREMANTLEIt is not simply the wording of the Act, but the spirit. I want to know whether the spirit is observed of the Ministry's original intention in their memorandum that local authorities should establish the most cordial relations with the medical profession. Is it not the case that the London General Hospitals Voluntary Committee very largely consists of the smaller hospitals, and the larger hospitals feel a real sense of grievance that they are not really, in spirit, being properly consulted in order to give full co-operation with the county council in its schemes?
Sir H. YOUNGThe last part of the question is outside my knowledge, but I can Assure the hon. Gentleman that it is the constant policy of the Ministry of Health to promote co-operation of the voluntary and public hospitals.