HC Deb 04 March 1954 vol 524 cc1337-8
14. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Labour his assessment of the hours lost per week by workers having to attend hospitals for treatment and diagnosis.

The Minister of Labour and National Service (Sir Walter Monckton)

I regret that data upon which to form such an assessment are not available.

Miss Ward

Would my right hon. and learned Friend consider having a conversation with the Minister of Health in order that that Minister may inform the regional hospital boards and the hospitals of the very serious loss of productive effort caused by people needing outpatient treatment having to wait so long? Does the Minister not think it part of his duty to see that we are not losing productive effort which could otherwise be used in the national interest?

Sir W. Monckton

It is always a pleasure to speak to my right hon. Friend, and I will take occasion to speak to him on this subject.