§ 63. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Health if in view of the fact that spa treatment can only be received under the Health Service if the patient is an in-patient at a spa hospital and, in view of the waiting lists to these hospitals, he will consider providing outpatient treatment, thus relieving rheumatic sufferers inexpensively and without delay.
§ Mr. BevanSpa treatment may be arranged for out-patients as well as inpatients of appropriate spa hospitals.
§ 64. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Health to what extent regional hospital boards have been asked to cut their expenditure upon their schemes for the treatment of rheumatism; and if he will make a statement upon the subject.
§ Mr. BevanRegional hospital boards have been asked to make an overall reduction in their estimates for next year, but it is for the boards to decide- how best this can be effected with least detriment to the treatment of patients.