HC Deb 11 March 1954 vol 524 cc2428-9
40 Mr. Foot

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to start his investigation into the administration of the Plymouth, South Devon and East Corn wall Hospital Management Committee.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I propose to await the result of the discussions between the committee and the regional hospital board.

Mr. Foot

Would it not have been better for the right hon. Gentleman to await the result of these discussions instead of making the reflection he made on the management committee last week, and suggesting that there should be an investigation? Why did he not carry out the proposals for an investigation, as the management committee would like nothing more?

Mr. Macleod

I think that if the hon. Member studies the first half of my answer to the supplementary question last week, he will find that his supplementary question today answers itself.

41 Mr. Foot

asked the Minister of Health on what date it was decided to increase the allocation from the regional hospital board to the Plymouth, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital Management Committee by £15,000; and how far this amount falls short of the total required to cover the extra costs for salaries and other increments which the management committee will be called upon to cover in 1954–55.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I understand that the board notified an allocation to the committee of £915,795 for 1954–55 on 15th February, and informed the committee on 22nd February that a supplementary allocation of £10,250 would be made to meet the full-year cost of opening an extension ward at Devonport Hospital. The total allocation is intended to cover necessary extra costs next year, regard being had also to the feasibility of economies in the running of the services.

Mr. Foot

Is it not a fact that the Plymouth management committee has already made proposals for economies but that the allocation made to it by the regional hospital board does not take into account the increased burden of extra wage costs and other costs to which I have referred in the Question and that, therefore, the allocation means that the Plymouth management committee will be forced to close down its maternity homes?

Mr. Macleod

I do not think that that follows. It is perfectly true that the hospital management committee suggested economies since the allocation and I am most grateful to it, but the two sides, it seems to me, are nearer together. I hope that they will come nearer still.