§ 75. Dr. Summerskillasked the Minister of Health why steps have not been taken to repair the nurses' home at Queen Charlotte's Hospital in order that those beds which are now occupied by the nurses in the hospital may be made available for expectant mothers?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe Nurses' Home at Queen Charlotte's Hospital was never finished owing to the outbreak of war, but I understand that a proposal to complete at least part of it will shortly be made to my Department. I may add that last autumn licences were granted which enabled the hospital to open twenty beds.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government have used the nurses' home at Queen Charlotte's Hospital as a warehouse for blitzed furniture for years? Will he explain why the furniture has not been removed?
§ Mr. BrownI have pointed out that I have not yet received a request from the hospital. I understand that I shall receive it shortly.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hospital authorities have told me that his Department has been asked time after time to remove the furniture, and that as a result of their refusal yesterday alone 20 expectant mothers were turned away and 250 this month because the Government refuses to take action?
§ Mr. BrownMy information does not tally with that. I understand that there have been two opinions in the hospital, but, as I have said, I have not yet received their request.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I had this information from the hospital an hour ago?