HC Deb 31 July 1952 vol 504 cc1681-2
40. Mr. Short

asked the Minister of Health why an American music hall artiste was recently allowed to be present at an operation at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The incident is shortly to be considered by the Board of Governors and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I have their report.

Mr. Short

Has the Minister taken adequate steps to see that this method of entertaining music hall comedians does not spread to other cities?

Mr. Macleod

It is a little unfair to leave it at that. The responsibility for admission will, of course, be decided and reported to me, but the person in question—Mr. Danny Kaye, as the hon. Member knows—was properly masked and properly gowned, as one would expect.

Mr. M. Lindsay

Is there any reason why any person, irrespective of nationality or sex, should not watch an operation if invited to do so by the surgeon?

Mr. Chetwynd

As the facilities were given to Mr. Kaye to see the opening of the patient, were any facilities given to the patient to see the opening performance of Mr. Danny Kaye?

Mr. Macleod

The patient, in any case, has recovered.