HC Deb 06 July 1950 vol 477 cc619-20
34. Mr. Butcher

asked the Minister of Health if he will now give the reasons why there is no accommodation for maternity cases in Spalding; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that such accommodation is made available.

Mr. Bevan:

I am informed that there never has been any such accommodation in Spalding, but that the regional hospital board are now considering the possibility of providing it.

contribution>Mr. Butcher:

Is the Minister aware that the local authority to whom responsibility has been transferred had plans and premises available, and that this need is very great indeed in that particular area? Is it not a fact that there was some accommodation available in prewar days and until quite recently for the accommodation of these cases?

Mr. Bevan

My information is that there was no accommodation in Spalding, and that the regional hospital board are to try to provide it.

Mr. Harrison

Is it not a fact that the people of Spalding are looking forward to the provision of this urgent necessity, which has been needed for many years, and which they have had no chance of getting before?

39. Mr. Reader Harris

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that regional hospital boards have not yet begun to offer clinical assistantships to general practitioners; and what action he proposes taking.

Mr. Bevan

I know that appointments of this kind have been offered where the needs of the service demand it. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind I shall be glad to hear of it.

Mr. Hastings

Does my right hon. Friend realise how important it is from everybody's point of view to keep general practitioners in close contact with their local hospital?

Mr. Bevan

I am very well aware of that, and, as my hon. Friend knows, part of the difficulty in this matter is to try to bring about a reconciliation between the conflicting claims of the G.P. on the one hand and the specialist on the other.

40. Mr. Reader Harris

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the regional hospital boards are ignoring his directive to preserve some local hospitals for the use of general practitioners; and what action he proposes taking.

Mr. Bevan

No, Sir, but I shall be glad to make inquiries if the hon. Member will send me his information.

Mr. Butcher

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly examine the present position in Boston Hospital?