HC Deb 19 March 1953 vol 513 cc198-9
21. Mr. Peart

asked the Minister of Health if he will hold a special inquiry as to the future of Camerton Hospital, West Cumberland.

Mr. Iain Macleod

No, Sir.

Mr. Peart

Will the Minister reconsider the position, in view of the fact that another £10,000 has already been spent in the reconversion of this hospital into a sanatorium? Although there has been an argument about defence, this hospital would make a very suitable place for urgently needed accommodation for patients suffering from tuberculosis. Would the Minister reconsider the matter?

Mr. Macleod

I do not think that an inquiry would help, because all the facts are known. This is a disused smallpox hospital. Authority was given in the time of the last Government to inaugurate a scheme for a sanatorium there. It was subsequently discovered, a long time afterwards, that there was an enormous ammunition dump within a few yards. As soon as I heard that, I stopped the scheme the same day. An inquiry could not reveal new facts because they are fully known. I am aware of the position in that region and in the Newcastle region.

Mr. Peart

Would it not be possible to get rid of the ammunition, in view of the fact that there is also a village near it? Will not the Minister reconsider the whole local position.

Mr. Macleod

Of course, I am glad to look at anything which the hon. Member or anyone else likes to bring to my notice. I have a memorandum from the hospital management committee on this matter which I am carefully studying. The Question I was asked was about an inquiry, and I am satisfied that no useful purpose would be served by one.

Mr. Popplewell

Could not the right hon. Gentleman make contact with his colleagues with a view to removing this ammunition dump and allowing this hospital to be used as a sanatorium? The North-East is one of the worst parts of the country for tuberculosis treatment, and sanatorium accommodation is urgently required. Will not the Minister again look at the matter, and see whether any use can be made of the hospital for that purpose?

Mr. Macleod

I am prepared to look at the local case which has been put to me, but I do not want to hold out any hope, because my present view is that no useful purpose would be served by an inquiry.