§ 63 and 64. Mr. Hopkinasked the Minister of Health, (1) whether he will set up a committee of investigation to inquire into the present state of efficiency of X-ray plant in hospitals and to report on the relative efficiency of British and foreign X-ray plant, and on the provision of spare parts of foreign X-ray plant in case of war;
(2) whether he is aware of the high standard of efficiency of British-made X-ray plant and that the London County Council insist on using British X-ray plant only; and whether he will now advise the appointment of a highly-qualified engineer to assist the Cancer Commission to bring British-made X-ray plant to the favourable notice of all hospitals?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware that British-made X-ray apparatus has been found to be efficient, and that the apparatus used in London County Council hospitals is almost entirely of British make. The 617 Council, in accordance with a recommendation made by my Department, generally adopt a policy of making use to the utmost extent practicable of goods and materials of home production. I do not think it desirable to adopt the suggestions made in the last part of the second question.
§ Mr. HopkinWould the Minister answer the first part of Question 63?
§ Mr. ElliotI think that is not necessary.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs the Minister aware that in many provincial towns in this country there is no X-ray apparatus at all, and that, as a result, many patients have to come to London' for diagnosis? Would he consider remedying that state of affairs? That is what is expressed in Question 63?
§ Mr. ElliotI am afraid my reading of Question 63 is not the same as the hon. Lady's.
§ Dr. SummerskillIt asks the Minister to investigate.
§ Mr. ElliotI understood that I was asked to investigate the efficiency.
§ Dr. SummerskillOr the inefficiency.