HC Deb 23 March 1950 vol 472 cc2134-5
6. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Health why the chairman and three members of the Kingston Group Hospital Management Committee, whose names have been supplied to him, have not been re-appointed; and whether the decision not to re-appoint these persons was approved by him.

Mr. Bevan

The making of these appointments is a duty placed by Statute on the regional hospital boards, and no question of my approval arises.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Has the right hon. Gentleman investigated the many complaints that are now arising about the abuse of these powers by regional hospital boards, and in view of the fact—

Mr. Sydney Silverman

On a point of Order. Is it in Order, Mr. Speaker, for the hon. Member to proceed with this matter now in view of the fact that only last night, or in the early hours of yesterday morning, he pursued the matter in Debate in Committee of Supply and received a full answer from the Parliamentary Secretary?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Further to that point of Order. The hon. Gentleman is, of course, completely inaccurate in referring to the matter as being raised in a Debate in Committee of Supply. It was raised on the Adjournment, and I would respectfully submit, Mr. Speaker, that when an unsatisfactory answer is obtained, hon. Members are not inhibited thereby from pursuing their inquiry.

Mr. Bevan

As I have explained, this is a matter placed by Statute upon the regional hospital boards, and the House must not complain about its own decisions.

Commander Noble

Is the Minister aware that there is a widespread feeling that there are some political backgrounds to these appointments, and will he give an undertaking that he will look into the matter?

Mr. Bevan

That is a point which I have not yet been able to establish, but many of my hon. Friends behind me have informed me that they are satisfied that, in some instances, Conservatives have been put on some of these committees.