HC Deb 31 March 1949 vol 463 cc1437-8
56. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that hospital patients in former Public Assistance institutions, are no longer receiving a weekly allowance of sweets or tobacco; and if he will make arrangements to restore these comforts to them.

Mr. Bevan

I can see no justification for differentiating in favour of patients in this type of hospital; but all hospital management committees can, of course, provide comforts from their own funds, which are intended for purposes of this kind.

Mr. Collins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the local management committee whom I consulted about this matter said they were acting in accordance with the Ministry of Health circular; that many of the people concerned are chronic sick who are sleeping in the same beds and building as they occupied some months ago and that in the same building able-bodied people, by arrangement with the Ministry of National Insurance, are receiving these comforts; and will he look at the matter again to see if, by arrangement with his right hon. Friend, some similar arrangements can be made for chronic sick people?

Mr. Bevan

I am sure that the Question and answer will come to the attention of the committees concerned and that they will see that they are in error.