HC Deb 15 July 1952 vol 503 cc1970-1
37. Mr. Burden

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make an inquiry into the whole question of military hospital buildings and hospital services in general, with a view to making improvements.

Mr. Head

I am very well aware that much work is needed on hospital buildings, but there are many civil and other military claims on the limited resources available. The main problem in the hospital services is the recruitment of sufficient Regular R.A.M.C. officers, and I am examining this question.

Mr. Burden

While I fully appreciate the difficulty of the position, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not a fact that the last military hospital built, as such, was built in 1895? Is it not time that something was done in order to try to build a modern hospital for the military services?

Mr. Head

We have plans in that respect at present. A hospital was built later than the date which my hon. Friend mentioned but I am well aware that, if the facilities were available, much should be done.