§ 25. Mr. Sydney Silvermanasked the Minister of Health why Mr. O. Wilson, M.S., F.R.C.S., a surgeon of experience and skill, has not been graded as a surgical specialist; whether he will give urgent consideration to this case which has occasioned professional and popular indignation in his coming review of hospital medical staffs; and what right of appeal he proposes to institute against mistakes of this kind.
§ Mr. MarquandA letter has been sent to my hon. Friend about this case.
§ Mr. SilvermanDoes my right hon. Friend realise that this decision of a committee some 30 miles away is regarded as being quite ridiculous and has aroused very great indignation among many of Mr. Wilson's professional colleagues in the district, in the hospital where he served with skill for many years, and among the numerous patients whose lives he saved over a long period? Will he answer the last part of the Question on the Order Paper, which is not answered in his letter?
§ Mr. MarquandIt is always a little difficult to discuss individual cases by Question and answer in the House and particularly difficult to do so when one has been in office for a few days only and obviously has not had time to go into the details of such cases. I shall be glad to see my hon. Friend on this matter, or any other hon. Member on individual cases, at any time.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsAre not hon. Members entitled to hear the answer to a Question? Is it correct for the answer to be incorporated in a private letter?
§ Mr. ButcherAs the last part of the Question is not personal, can the Minister answer that point?
§ 33. Mr. Odeyasked the Minister of Health whether Mr. John McMahon, of 21, Cherry Tree Terrace, Beverley, East Yorkshire, whose eyes require attention and who has been requested to attend for examination at the Hull Royal Infirmary on 31st August, 1951, can be given an earlier appointment.
§ Mr. MarquandI am informed that the hospital has not had any indication that there is any urgency in this case. But, in view of the recent increases in services, it is hoped to arrange an earlier appointment.
§ Mr. OdeyIn view of the right hon. Gentleman's reply to my previous Question, is it right that eye patients should have to wait seven months for an appointment?
§ Mr. MarquandNo, Sir. It is undoubtedly regrettable.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Gurney BraithwaiteDoes this represent the average delay in this service?
§ Mr. MarquandI should require notice of that question.