§ 61. Mr. Marquandasked the Minister of Health whether he will permit regional hospital boards to borrow money for the construction of new buildings.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodNo, Sir. This would not accord with normal Exchequer practice in such cases.
§ Mr. MarquandBut is the right hon. Gentleman willing to agree that there are many worth-while, sensible projects of the regional boards which he has been obliged to refuse because of a monetary limitation? Would it not be reasonable at a time when shops and offices can now be built quite freely to depart from orthodox Exchequer practice?
§ Mr. MacleodNo, Sir. One must maintain the present position, certainly at this stage while the Guillebaud Committee is considering this as one of the most important matters within its remit. It is also right to remember that if we adopt a loan charge system the ultimate burden will be greater.