HC Deb 14 July 1949 vol 467 cc647-8
35. Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Health if it was with his knowledge and approval that a propaganda leaflet advertising a meeting of the Socialist Medical Association on 5th July was pinned to the reception desk of the Westminster Hospital on Wednesday last, 29th June; and what instructions have been issued to hospitals regarding the use of notice boards for party political purposes.

Mr. Bevan

No, Sir. No instructions have been issued, since this is clearly a matter for hospital bodies themselves to decide.

Mr. Gammans

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of public funds being used to put up notice boards on which a party political meeting can be advertised? If so, does it mean that any party can advertise its meetings on a hospital notice board?

Mr. Bevan

This is entirely a matter within the discretion of the management committee of the hospital itself. It is not desirable that we should always try to decide what they should do in every instance.