Boards and Committees (Responsibilities)

HC Deb 29 May 1952 vol 501 cc1658-9

38. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Health what changes he proposes to make in the functions and responsibilities of regional hospital boards and hospital management committees.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I do not propose to make any changes at present.

Mr. Sparks

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the recommendations in the Report of the Select Committee on Estimates? Is he now saying that he proposes to take no notice of them?

Mr. Macleod

No, Sir. The 11th Report of the Select Committee on Estimates has already been acted upon. The power to approve hospital management committee estimates and to permit transfers between subheads has already been restored to regional boards as a result of the Report.

Mr. Sparks

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the arrangement as it now exists?

Mr. Macleod

I should not say that I am fully satisfied. I am satisfied that the point made by the Select Committee has been met, but this is, of course, one of the biggest problems in the National Health Service, and I am looking at it all the time.