§ 24. Mr. Peartasked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that there is adequate accommodation for the treatment of patients suffering from tuberculosis in the area of West Cumberland.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodNo, Sir. The Newcastle Regional Hospital Board is looking into proposals for increasing it.
§ Mr. PeartBut is the Minister aware that all the local evidence is contrary to that view; and is he further aware that the recent decision to postpone the conversion of the sanatorium at Camerton Hospital has caused concern in West Cumberland as it would have provided a further 80 beds? If information is given to him, will the Minister look again at the matter and reconsider the case?
§ Mr. MacleodI think the hon. Gentleman has misunderstood my answer. I said, "No, Sir." I was agreeing with the hon. Gentleman that the accommodation is not adequate. The Camerton situation to which he referred was an appalling muddle for which my Ministry, the regional board and, I think, the county council are partly responsible. It took place a year or two ago. We are looking as urgently as we can into the question of making good the deficiency it will cause.