§ 67. Sir Robert Youngasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Dr. Appleton, the medical officer of health for the Newton urban district council and for the urban district council of Golborne, both of which towns, with their outlying districts, cover large areas, has also the supervision of the Newton isolation hospital, which accepts patients from other districts; that the immunisation scheme is in his hands and that there are clinics in Newton, Golborne, Lowton and Culcheth, for which he is medically responsible; and what arrangements are made, or are likely 299 to be made, for the work of these health agencies in the event of Dr. Appleton being withdrawn for military service?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of my hon. Friend's Question. It is understood that the Lancashire County Council are prepared to make one of their Assistant County Medical Officers available to carry on the public health medical services of these two authorities in the event of Dr. Appleton's recruitment and that this arrangement has been discussed with the local authorities concerned.
§ Sir R. YoungDoes that mean that the county medical authorities will be entirely responsible for these health services, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the doctors of the areas referred to have stated that it is impossible for them to give time to assist in the administration of essential health services?
§ Mr. BrownI think my answer and the letter I have sent to my hon. Friend indicate clearly what the position is.