HC Deb 20 February 1939 vol 344 cc33-4
62. Mr. Edwards

asked the Minister of Health the reasons which led him to agree to the scheme for extending the Poole Sanatorium at Middlesbrough?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)

It is generally agreed that there is a serious shortage of beds for the treatment of tuberculosis in the areas of the constituent authorities comprised in the Poole Joint Sanatorium Committee. All possible methods of meeting this shortage were carefully considered, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the proposed extension of the sanatorium is the best method of meeting the deficiency from the point of view both of economy and efficiency.

Mr. Edwards

Is the hon. Member aware that there are hundreds and thousands of acres quite near the town which are much more suitable for this purpose, and that the authorities have chosen a district in Middlesbrough which is gradually being built over?

Mr. Bernays

The scheme affects six local authorities, and in March, 1935, all these local authorities agreed in principle to the scheme. Since then there has been a petition from the Middlesbrough Town Council to the Ministry of Health, and I do not think the question can now be satisfactorily pursued.

Mr. Edwards

Has the hon. Member not received strong objections from the Middlesbrough Town Council?

Mr. Bernays

Yes, and they were taken into consideration before coming to a decision.