HC Deb 06 May 1954 vol 527 cc573-5
38 Dr. King

asked the Minister of Health why he has not reappointed Dr. Stark Murray to the South-West Metropolitan Hospital Board.

Mr. Iain Macleod

In making this and other changes, I have followed the example of my predecessors in introducing new members at regular intervals to the boards, so as to widen the opportunity for service on them.

Dr. King

Is the Minister aware that this doctor has been one of the most capable and conscientious members of a very good hospital board? Does he not agree that it would be a bad thing if he determined the appointment of excellent men merely because they have been six years on the board? Above all, can he assure the House that political considerations did not enter into this since Dr. Stark Murray is a leading Socialist doctor and his successor is a leading anti-Socialist doctor?

Mr. Macleod

I do not think that anyone knows more from his own knowledge about the appointments I make to these boards than the hon. Member. If he looks at not one instance, but at all the instances, and at other boards, he will know that there is no foundation for his suggestion.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House how many Members of Parliament were originally appointed to the hospital boards and to what political parties they belonged? Will he promise the House that when Members, or their wives, fail to attend board meetings he will not reappoint them?

Mr. Macleod

In the original appointments made to regional hospital boards, six Members of Parliament were appointed. Subsequently, the number was increased to nine, and. by a strange coincidence, all nine were Socialists.

Dr. Summerskill

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether, before he made his decision, he was informed that this very able doctor was a founder member of the Socialist Medical Association?

Mr. Macleod

I appoint people for medical and not political reasons.

Mr. Smithers

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House by whom Dr. Stark Murray was replaced, and what are his qualifications?

Mr. Macleod

He was replaced by Mr. Lawrence Abel, one of the most distinguished surgeons in the country.