HC Deb 21 April 1953 vol 514 cc781-3
1. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to paragraph 5 of the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, dated 13th March, 1953, on the Accounts 1951–52 of the Regional Hospital Boards in Scotland and the fact that substantial investment in new central boilers for six Scottish hospitals is rendered ineffective and much coal is being wasted as a result of failure to provide pipes and sundry equipment to complete the central heating schemes; why this impasse has arisen; and what steps are being taken to end the wastage of fuel and money.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Commander T. D. Galbraith)

Yes, Sir. The completion of central heating systems at these hospitals has been delayed partly by technical difficulties and partly by limited building and plant resources available for the hospital service. One scheme is now complete; contracts for the completion of two more will be let within the next three months; the fourth has been deferred till next year because the Regional Board concerned have more urgent projects in view; the fifth has been deferred because an extension of the hospital is projected for Civil Defence purposes which may make a more comprehensive scheme necessary; while the sixth has been abandoned for the present by the Regional Board concerned, and the boilers are being used elsewhere.

Mr. Nabarro

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind that Scotland has departed from her traditional role as a substantial exporter of coal and is now an importer of coal, and in consideration of the delicate coal position which we all anticipate next winter will he expedite and accelerate all these fuel efficiency schemes in Scotland?

Mr. W. G. Bennett

Is the Minister aware that Scottish Members are well aware of the situation and are perfectly satisfied that he will keep the matter in hand?

Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

When the Minister refers to shortage of resources, is he aware that the resources called for in this case are cast-iron goods and the cast-iron industry is not now working to full capacity? Ought he not from that point of view to make sure that the resources are made available?

Commander Galbraith

I was referring to past difficulties and not to present difficulties.

2 and 3. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps are being taken to allot sufficient sums of money and steel and cast-iron to the Scottish Regional Hospital Boards with a view to coal conservation in hospital boilers and central heating and steam raising plants in view of the recent report of the Comptroller and Auditor General; and what professional and technical advice he and the Hospital Boards are taking in the matter;

(2) what steps he is taking to reduce hospital heating costs and assure improved coal utilisation in Scottish hospitals; and whether the Scottish Fuel Efficiency Committee have been consulted, in view of the report dated 13th March, 1953, by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Commander Galbraith

The allocations of money for capital expenditure, and of building and plant resources to the hospital services in Scotland have regard to the economy in running costs, including fuel consumption, that modern installations of various kinds can achieve. Hospital Boards and my Department have experienced engineers on their permanent staffs, while consulting engineers are generally retained for specific projects. In addition the services of the technical staff of the Ministry of Fuel and Power are available for consultation.

Detailed advice on the need for fuel economy and methods of achieving it has been given to hospital authorities in a memorandum of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. This memorandum was endorsed by the Scottish Fuel Efficiency Committee.

Mr. Nabarro

In consideration of the fact that my right hon. and gallant Friend's reply inferred that everything is in perfect order in connection with steam-raising and fuel consumption in Scottish hospitals, would he say why the Comptroller and Auditor General has found it necessary, in his publication of 13th March, to make some very pointed comments about the inefficiency of the existing arrangements?

Commander Galbraith

I would not altogether accept my hon. Friend's suggestion or his interpretation of the words used. The fact is that other things are required by the patients in hospitals as well as heating systems, and we pay attention to what is best for the patients.

Mr. Manuel

While we are aware of the difficulties and recognise what is holding up the improvement of heating installations in many of our Scottish hospitals, can the Minister indicate to the House just how many applications have come to his Department from the Regional Hospital Boards, who are aware of the position, and whose applications, because of lack of capital development resources, have not been allowed so far?

Commander Galbraith

That is a rather different Question and I regret that I have not the information available.

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