HC Deb 23 April 1956 vol 551 cc1444-5
47. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement regarding economies in the National Health Service in view of the proposal for total reductions in Government expenditure of £100 million in the current financial year.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

My right hon. Friend has no statement to make.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is it not high time that a statement should be made and a clear guarantee given to the House that no economies whatever will be made in this service, especially in view of the strong recommendations of the Guillebaud Committee for increases in capital expenditure?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

If one took the hon. Member's question literally, it would mean that even if we found any extravagance we would not be able to economise.

Mr. Blenkinsop

The hon. Lady cannot pass this off. As we have had a statement in the House that economies may be made in this service, will the hon. Lady not state the form which any economics may take?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I can only say that my hon. Friend has no statement to make.