§ 25. Dr. Broughtonasked the Minister of Health how many hospitals beds are available for general medical practitioners to look after their own patients 1890 not requiring specialist treatment; and to what extent this number has increased since the end of last year.
§ Mr. CrookshankThe returns from hospital authorities show 6,982 beds at 31st December, 1951. I regret that I have no later figure than this.
§ Dr. BroughtonIs the Minister aware that in the statement of Tory policy issued by the Conservative Party and published for the General Election of October, 1951, these words appear on page 30:
The general practitioner should be able to take part in hospital work. Beds should be made available where he can look after those of his patients not requiring specialist treatment.Can the right hon. Gentleman now confirm that Tory election promise and give an assurance that the Government will honour it?
§ Mr. CrookshankI have already made statements on that subject before.
§ Dr. BroughtonIn view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.