56. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the hardship caused to a large number of employed persons by the fact that the out-patient departments of hospitals are usually only open during the hours when they are employed in their daily work; and whether he will take steps to encourage the provision of facilities for such out-patients to be received at an alternative time?
§ Sir K. WoodIn the case of voluntary hospitals, as the hon. Member will appreciate, I have no jurisdiction, but so far as hospitals provided by local authorities are concerned, I shall be glad if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any cases he has in mind, and I will make inquiries.
Mr. HarveyWould not the Minister consider making a recommendation which would carry great weight with regard to the voluntary hospitals?
§ Sir Francis FremantleIs it not the case that the King Edward Hospital Fund held a detailed inquiry on this subject and issued a report and advice to all voluntary hospitals, of which great use is being made by these hospitals?
§ Sir K. WoodPerhaps the hon. Member for the English Universities (Mr. Harvey) will give me any information he has on the matter.