HC Deb 20 May 1947 vol 437 c2290

Lords Amendment: In page 13, line 46 at end, insert: and any other body or organisation which appears to the Board to be concerned

9.45 P.m.

Mr. Westwood

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

The Bill originally required regional hospital boards when framing schemes for the setting up of boards of management for individual hospitals or for groups of hospitals, to consult universities concerned. The effect of the Amendment which we are now considering is to extend this statutory requirement to cover consultations with such other bodies and organisations as appear to them to be concerned, as, for example, local authorities, existing voluntary hospital boards, and associations and authorities and hospitals.

Mr. J. S. C. Reid

The Government, of course, are up against a difficulty here. If they prolong their consultations too long, it will be very difficult to fit in the time-table. On the other hand, if they make a point of fitting the time-table consultation may be unduly curtailed. I hope the Minister can assure the House that he will be able to fit in all the necessary consultations and still have the machinery ready for that appointed day which he originally had in mind.

Mr. Westwood

I can give that assurance, otherwise I would not be prepared to accept the Amendment from the other House.