HC Deb 21 June 1951 vol 489 cc694-5
31. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to make the alternative arrangements for the 60 beds no longer available in St. Luke's Hospital owing to the decision of the regional board, approved by him, to transfer certain wards to the Chelsea Hospital for Women for pathological laboratory work; and whether this alternative accommodation will be available before this transfer is started.

Mr. Marquand

I regret that I cannot yet add to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on 31st May.

Commander Noble

In view of the fact that the Minister told me a short time ago that there were over 1,300 on the waiting lists for chronic sick beds in London, will he bear in mind that it would be a very good thing if these alternative arrangements were made before the wards were actually taken over?

Mr. Marquand

Yes, I will bear that in mind. I understand that the Regional Board was having a meeting to discuss that yesterday.

Mr. Linstead

Has the right hon. Gentleman earmarked accommodation for this purpose, and are there identifiable beds which he hopes to put into use?

Mr. Marquand

I should require notice of that question.