HC Deb 03 July 1947 vol 439 cc1478-80
9. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that for many years voluntary bodies have organised fêtes, bazaars and sales of work, etc., for the benefit of voluntary hospitals; and, in view of the passing of these hospitals to State responsibility next year, whether he will state his policy with regard to the continuance of such voluntary effort for the particular benefit of local hospitals.

Mr. Bevan

When the new hospital service comes into being, the various new governing bodies will have full power to receive and hold voluntary funds from any source, independently. It must be understood, however, that no charge may be made on patients for any part of the service, except for those specifically mentioned in the Act or regulations.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "power to hold" these funds?

Mr. Bevan

Each of the hospitals can raise funds for additional purposes, such as welfare, and things of that sort, but the main body of revenue will come from the State. It must be quite clear that no charge can be made to a patient, because the service is free.

Mr. Sparks

Is my right hon. Friend now telling the House that under the new arrangement next year, hospital committees may themselves organise voluntary efforts, thus enabling particular hospitals to supplement their funds?

Mr. Bevan

I made that quite clear on the Committee and Report stages of the Bill.

Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

Would the Minister say whether the same kind of policy will be adopted in connection with district nursing associations, particularly those which will continue under the new arrangement?

Mr. Bevan;

Any county borough will, where they think fit, have the power to make arrangements with nursing associations for which, of course, they will pay. I have sent instructions to that effect.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Who will administer these funds obtained from voluntary sources?

Mr. Bevan

The hospital management committees.

Mr. Scollan

If a voluntary hospital were to organise a fete and raise a sum of, say, £500, would the money be used for the purpose of providing additional benefits for that hospital?

Mr. Bevan

We are not dealing with the intermediate period between now and the coming into operation of the Act. We are dealing with the situation after the Act has been brought into operation, and, in order that the service may be as free and independent as possible, management committees of hospitals will be able to arrange funds for the welfare of the hospital as a whole, and administer them, but they will in no way diminish the revenues provided by the State.

Mr. E. Evans

Will the Minister agree that the best voluntary effort is personal service?

Mr. Bevan

As the whole of the health service is intended to be administered by voluntary workers, I entirely agree with the hon. Member.