§ 4. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Health if he has investigated the case, particulars of which were sent to him on 12th April, in which a resident of Burn-ham-on-Crouch, who had already been ill for a considerable time, was advised by a specialist that she would have to wait at least seven months more for a bed in Southend Hospital, but that he could perform the necessary operation privately for a fee of 25 guineas, with other charges totalling 16½ guineas; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Marquand)I have written to my hon. Friend about this case, on which the information I have differs from his.
§ Mr. DribergI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his letter, but does he recall that it does not deal with the essential point, which is how soon will this 1392 lady, who is suffering and in need of an operation, be admitted to hospital? Is it not quite wrong that she should be given to understand that she can get an operation done quicker if she pays all this money?
§ Mr. MarquandI shall be happy to discuss that aspect of the case with my hon. Friend.