§ 41. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the impossibility of voluntary hospitals being able to maintain and extend their services in such a way as to meet the urgent needs of the sick and injured, he is prepared, in view of the national emergency, to organise the whole hospital system on a sound economic basis, coordinated and planned to meet the needs of the population?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)The Scottish Hospital Service is being expanded and in many respects co-ordinated to meet emergency conditions, and it will be my aim to secure that the most effective use possible in present circumstances will be made of all available beds.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the municipality and other similar institutions are evidently finding great difficulty in coming to any agreement as to the co-ordination of hospital services; and does not he agree that in the present emergency there is a suitable opportunity for bringing all these bodies together in such a way as to establish a proper hospital service throughout the country?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am closely in touch with the representatives of the institution to which the hon. Member referred, and of the voluntary hospitals in general. I am very anxious to go as fully into the matter as I can.