§ 17. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the concern in Rugby over the shortage of hospital accommodation for the chronic sick; and what steps he is taking to remedy this deficiency.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI understand that this matter was raised with the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board recently, and that they are considering it.
§ Mr. JohnsonWhile bearing in mind the difficulties of the hospital board in this connection, may I ask the Minister whether he is aware that the public health committee has almost got to the end of its tether in this matter, which is causing a lot of domestic unhappiness and distress in the borough? Will he use his good offices and give the hospital board special dispensation to build accommodation in the town?
§ Mr. MacleodI have seen the letter from the town clerk of Rugby to which, I think, the hon. Member is referring. It has gone to the regional hospital board, and the board must be the judge of what priority it assigns to any particular claim.