HC Deb 04 March 1954 vol 524 cc1353-4
41. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the increasing costs of administration and maintenance of old hospital buildings in the southwest region; and why, in view of this, he reduced the grants by nearly £1,000,000 below the estimated hospital board's requirements.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Old hospital buildings are not peculiar to this region, which has been allocated what is in my view a fair share of the total sum available for hospital running costs in 1954–55.

Mr. Awbery

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he puts into effect the contemplated reduction, it will mean the closing of hospitals in the south-west region? Is he aware that a large number of these hospitals are very old and in a dilapidated condition and that they need more money, not less? Further, is he asking local authorities and local committees to estimate 7 per cent, to 10 per cent, above their requirements so that, when the estimate reaches him, his Department will have an opportunity of reducing the sum by that amount?

Mr. Macleod

I am sure that the hon. Member knows the way these things are done. I should not think any region in any year has ever got what it asked for. Indeed, as a matter of interest, I looked up what happened to the regions in the last year of the Socialist Government, and I found that the estimates for every region were reduced, some of them by a larger sum than is indicated in the Question. As compared with last year, the sum of money is not being reduced; it is being increased. Of course it is less than the regions requested but, as I have explained, as far as I know that has happened in every year and under every Government. The important figure, surely, from the summary of estimates this year is that, as the hon. Member knows, £17 million more is being provided for the National Health Service. By no possible use of language can that be called a cut.

Mr. Foot

Is the Minister aware that for hospitals in the Plymouth area the same amount has been allocated as that for last year and that, as there has been a considerable increase in the salary payments which have to be made, as well as other considerations, in effect that means a cut?

Mr. Macleod

There is a later Question about Plymouth but, as a matter of fact, the hon. Member's assumptions are not accurate.