§ 18. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Health whether it was with his knowledge and consent that the South-West Metropolitan Hospital Board issued instructions that parliamentary candidates were not to be allowed to address gatherings on hospital premises.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn view of the fact that as a result of this instruction the possibility of hospital staffs, with their difficult hours of work, hearing the views of political candidates has been very much reduced, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter?
§ Mr. BevanIt is not possible to make a general uniform arrangement in this matter because of the difference in accommodation at different hospitals, and of the different kinds of hospitals. I therefore thought it was wise to leave it to those in charge, who could vary the practice with the needs of the case.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that that is precisely what this South-West Metropolitan Hospital Board have done, that they have issued a general instruction?
§ Mr. BevanYes, but I thought I would leave it to the hospital boards themselves. I will have an examination made to see what they did, and to see whether some alleviation can be given.