HC Deb 21 April 1953 vol 514 cc795-6
27. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the current average daily cost of maintaining a patient in hospital.

Commander Galbraith

The latest complete returns are for 1951–52, which show an average cost per patient over all hospitals of 21s. 5d. per day. The hon. Member will find full details for different types of hospitals in Statement B of the 1951–52 Accounts, recently presented to Parliament as House of Commons Paper 117.

Mr. Ross

That paper, of which I have a copy, shows that there was a 9 per cent. increase over 1951. [HQN. MEMBERS: "Ask a question."] What I am asking is whether that trend has been continued or whether there has been any effort on the part of the Government to cut down this cost?

Commander Galbraith

Every effort is being made to achieve economy with efficiency.

Mr. Ross

Surely the Minister can say whether in the first quarter of this year the cost was going up or down.

Commander Galbraith

Not without notice.

Mr. Ross

Surely a Question on the Order Paper is notice of a question.