77. Miss Wardasked the Minister of Health which local authorities in Northumberland and Durham have provided free material to hospital supply depots, for the equipment of hospitals for civil casualties as a result of the war?
§ Mr. ElliotI am afraid I have not the information desired by my hon. Friend. It is within the discretion of the local authorities whether they will make use of the facilities offered by the hospital supply depots for the purpose of equipping their hospitals for casualty work.
Miss WardIn order to encourage people to join hospital supply depots would it not be a good thing if the Ministry showed a little interest and asked the local authorities whether they are taking advantage of their powers?
§ Mr. ElliotThe local authorities receive many communications from me nowadays, and I am not anxious to add to them if I can possibly avoid it.
Miss WardMy supplementary question was directed to encouraging voluntary workers, not local authorities.
§ Mr. ElliotI understood the question was whether I would make certain inquiries of the local authorities.