§ 64. Mr. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in consequence of the findings of the survey conducted by the Edinburgh Local 1002 Medical Committee, details of which have been sent to him, he will institute a national survey into the condition and needs of Scotland's chronic sick and old people.
Commander GalbraithArrangements of varying kinds have been made in different parts of the country for the joint study by local authorities, hospital boards and executive councils of the needs to be met by their services catering for old people and the chronic sick. But the survey procedure adopted in Edinhurgh has not been employed elsewhere; and its findings have still to be evaluated by the bodies concerned.
§ Mr. RossSurely the Minister must realise, if he is satisfied that a national survey is needed, that the Estimates which he has presented to the House in relation to the health services for the current year are absolute nonsense, in view of the revelations of this survey in Edinburgh, where we have seen that need, hardship, suffering and neglect exist? Will he please do something about the matter urgently?
Commander GalbraithThe hon. Member will remember that my right hon. Friend called for a survey to be made in August, 1953, and again in August, 1954, when he asked that reports might be forwarded to him. These reports are now coming to hand and are being studied by him.