HC Deb 21 February 1952 vol 496 cc407-8
18. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health if he will give an estimate of the increased cost of the hospital service for 1952–53, over 1951–52, due to increased prices of food and other essential hospital supplies.

Mr. Crookshank

I would ask the hon. Member to wait for the publication of the estimates next month.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Can the right hon. Gentleman at least give an assurance that there will be no attempt to reduce the amount of the essential food supplies, in particular to hospital authorities, in view of the very disquieting announcement made by the South-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board?

Mr. Crookshank

I am not aware of any such suggestion.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the announcement made by the South-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board regarding the amount to be made available to hospitals?

Mr. Crookshank

The hon. Gentleman asked me if there was any question of cutting down the food. That is what I was talking about.