HC Deb 22 November 1954 vol 533 c772
28. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Health whether it is upon his instructions that the Liverpool Board of Governors, Teaching Hospitals, has decided to issue margarine to all patients instead of butter.

Mr. Iain Macleod

No, Sir.

Mrs. Braddock

Will the Minister ask the board to look at this position again? It has caused great concern among patients in teaching hospitals that this arbitrary decision has been taken. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although I am a member of the board and I tried desperately to get one of the other members to second my proposal for a reconsideration of the position, not one of the eminent doctors upon the board was prepared to take any responsibility in having the matter reconsidered? Will the Minister ask the board to reconsider the whole position?

Mr. Macleod

I was informed of the hon. Lady's difficulties in obtaining a seconder for her proposal. I do not propose to second it myself.

Mrs. Braddock

I asked whether the Minister was prepared to ask the board to reconsider the decision in view of the fact that this is not a decision which he has decided should be put into operation.

Mr. Macleod

I am sorry; my answer was meant to cover that. The answer is, "No." This is a matter entirely within the competence of the regional board.

Mrs Braddock

It is not a regional board. It is a board of governors.