HC Deb 06 May 1954 vol 527 cc578-9
54 Mr. Parkin

asked the Minister of Health what recommendations he makes to hospital boards with regard to the system of checking stores to be used in hospitals; and what improvements have been made in recent years in the methods employed at Paddington Hospital.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Instructions about the preparation and checking of inventories have been issued from time to time, and a further circular about the ascertainment and prevention of stores losses generally will shortly be issued. I will let the hon. Member have a copy of this as soon as possible. I understand that no material alterations have been made in recent years in the system employed at Paddington Hospital and that the usual safeguards for preventing losses are in force.

Mr. Parkin

Is the Minister aware that in a recent court case an attack was made by the magistrate and a detective on the methods employed at Paddington Hospital, the implication being that public funds were being thrown away since the nationalisation of the hospital? Can the right hon. Gentleman see that equal publicity is given to his answer?

Mr. Macleod

I am sure that equal publicity will be given to this. I have noted the case which the hon. Gentleman has in mind.