HC Deb 28 February 1955 vol 537 cc1707-8
23. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in mental hospitals, management committees are still required to keep their expenditure on provisions within the 1948 limit of 2s. 5d. per person per diet day; and if he will state, for July, 1951, and January, 1955, respectively, the sum required to purchase the amount of similar provisions which could be purchased for 2s. 5d. in July, 1948.

Mr. Iain Macleod

As I have previously explained, there is no fixed diet allowance for mental hospitals, and it is for hospital management committees to determine how best to spend the sums allocated to them by the regional boards. The second part of the Question, therefore, is not relevant.

Mr. Collins

Is the Minister aware that I have a copy of a letter from a regional hospital board which makes precisely the restriction which I noted in the Question, and that that restriction of 2s. 5d. per diet day has to my knowledge been in operation in that region for the last four years? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that, since the costs of basic foods have increased by 50 per cent. over the period concerned, in terms of 1948 this means a figure of 1s. 8d. per diet day now? Will the Minister look into this question, because it is brought about by shortage of money and is causing considerable difficulty and there is not sufficient food for patients?

Mr. Macleod

I suppose, if one puts one's mind to it, one could get more inaccuracies into a Supplementary Question, but it would be extremely difficult. The figure of 2s. 5d. relates to the costing returns for 1953–54. The earliest return is for 1950–51 when, as far as one can make out, the comparable figure would be, not 2s. 5d., but 1s.9d. There are no records before 1951 to apply back to 1948, but, if there were, the figure would no doubt have been lower still.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the Minister aware that there is a growing awareness in the hospital service that the standard of catering and the costs of provision in mental hospitals and mental deficiency hospitals are too low? Will he use what influence he can—perhaps, in the form of a circular—to bring this matter to the attention of regional hospitals and management committees?

Mr. Macleod

That is another matter but one with which I have a good deal of sympathy. I will look into the hon. Member's suggestion.