HC Deb 04 December 1951 vol 494 c2202
13. Mr. John Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the scarcity of books in English in the library of the Wolfgang Sanatorium, Davos, Switzerland, where there are Scottish patients under the National Health Service (Scotland) Swiss Scheme; if he will take steps to augment the supply of suitable books in this library; and if he will investigate the position at other sanatoria and preventoria in Switzerland where there are Scottish patients to see that they are supplied with a reasonable supply of reading matter.

Mr. J. Stuart

There is always a demand for new books in hospitals, particularly where there are long-stay patients. The Scottish Branch of the British Red Cross provided over 50 new books when the Scottish patients arrived at Davos. A further supply of 50 new books has recently been sent, and the patients have also had second-hand books. I am informed that there is no shortage of books at the two sanatoria in Leysin where there are patients for whose care I am responsible. I have no concern with any other sanatorium in Switzerland

Mr. Taylor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are over 50 patients from Scotland in this sanatorium at Davos and that the two allocations of 50 books means that they have two books each which they will soon read, and will he try to augment the supply?

Mr. Stuart

May I point out to the hon. Member that there are 100 books and that they could swop them?