§ 35. Mr. Stevensasked the Minister of Health how many hospitals previously owned by local authorities but found surplus to the requirements of the National Health Service were offered back to their previous owners between 6th July, 1953, and 31st December, 1953; and upon what terms the offers were made.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodParts of two such hospitals were declared surplus during the period mentioned and were offered back under the usual arrangements governing the disposal of Government property, the terms being settled with the district valuer. In three other cases, properties which had been declared surplus prior to 5th July, 1953, and fell, therefore, to be dealt with under a concession allowed during the first five years of the National Health Service, were offered during the same period to the former owning authorities for a nominal sum.
§ Mr. StevensIn respect of the first two cases, was there not unnecessary delay in coming to a conclusion? The concessionary period was five years, and the Ministry did not reach a decision until a few months after the close of the concessionary period.
§ Mr. MacleodI will look at the details of the two cases but, as my hon. Friend knows, it was a limited period of concession, which expired in July, 1953.
§ Sir J. LucasHow many protests were made, more particularly on grounds of unnecessary delay, and what action has been taken?
§ Mr. MacleodI should like notice of that question.