HC Deb 18 March 1952 vol 497 cc2088-9
27. Captain Duncan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the cost of the regional hospital boards in Scotland during the last full year.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. James Stuart)

The administration expenditure of regional hospital boards in Scotland for the year 1950–51 was £258,616.

Captain Duncan

In view of that large sum purely for administration, will my right hon. Friend consider abolishing regional hospital boards and setting up one central planning board for Scotland?

Mr. Stuart

I have not considered that, and I very much doubt whether that would be the desire of the regions.

Mr. A. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this administration the work of the hospital boards is done voluntarily, and that this is one of the greatest services rendered in a public spirit in Scotland?

Mr. Stuart

Yes, Sir. I think they do very good service.

Mr. James H. Hoy

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage that sum represents of the total hospital costs in Scotland?

Mr. Stuart

If the hon. Gentleman cares to obtain a copy of White Paper No. 52 in the Vote Office, he will find on pages 7 and 11 the figures for which he is asking. The total is £29,539,682.

Mr. Hoy

What is the percentage?

Mr. Stuart

I will have to get a slide-rule.

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