§ 47. Mr. E. Smithasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been directed to the economy that is being made in many areas at the cost of poor people, as evidenced in the proposed 1301 action of the Salford City Council in closing down two wards in the Hope Hospital, the issuing of instructions to the doctors not to use certain medicines unless absolutely necessary, and the low allowances made to cover the cost of the maintenance of the nursing staff; and, in view of this, will he take action to improve the financial position of the local authorities, where rates are 15s. or more in the £?
§ Sir K. WoodThe reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. My attention, however, has been drawn to a newspaper report which indicates that the Salford City Council have under consideration certain proposals in regard to the Hope Hospital. I am in communication with the Council in the matter, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.
§ Mr. SmithThe right hon. Gentleman is student of local affairs and is bound to be aware of the economy which is being made at the expense of the poorest of the poor in the North of England, and, in view of that state of affairs, will he not use the same initiative in dealing with it as he showed in the conduct of affairs when he was at the Post Office?