HC Deb 31 October 1955 vol 545 c654
27. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health the number of hospital beds needed for the treatment of road accident cases; and what is the estimated cost of such treatment to the Health Service.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Can the right hon. Gentleman not do something to obtain some estimate, because of the importance of letting the public know the effect of the general slaughter and maiming on the roads on hospital waiting lists and expenditure on hospitals generally?

Mr. Macleod

I know the enormous importance of the subject, but I do not think that I could obtain figures, partly because in many cases beds are not specifically reserved, and partly because it would require a burdensome and detailed inquiry in every hospital in the country.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the figures could be obtained very easily, at any rate for cases treated at head injury units, which include a large number of road accident cases? Does he not agree that the prevalence of this problem means that there is a very considerable waiting list for very urgent surgical work on grave conditions?

Mr. Macleod

If there is any value in obtaining or exacting such figures from specialised units, I will see if I can obtain them for the hon. Member.

Mr. Baird

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of Charing Cross Hospital the beds are adequate and the treatment for road casualty cases is wonderful?

Mr. Macleod

I am very glad to hear it.