HC Deb 23 April 1956 vol 551 cc1448-50
40. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Health why he has decided to dispose of the farm attached to the Pontywal Sanatorium, Talgarth; and whether he will reconsider his decision so that the patients may be certain of a supply of fresh tuberculin tested milk twice a day, and other products from the farm as well as sufficient land to rehabilitate patients in future schemes.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Because the farm is not essential to the running of the sanatorium. The Welsh Regional Hospital Board reached this conclusion after a detailed investigation on the spot. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the dietary of the patients can be kept on the required standard after the disposal of the farm, and that sufficient land is being retained to permit of any rehabilitation schemes.

Mr. Watkins

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is great disquiet in the district because this farm is being disposed of, especially when it is realised that thirty-five years ago the Welsh National Memorial Association took over the farm for the benefit of the patients?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The hon. Member will appreciate that views regarding the treatment of tuberculosis have changed and that today it would certainly be considered most undesirable for patients suffering from tuberculosis to be working on a dairy farm. No patients whatever now work on the farm, which is quite a different procedure from that which operated when it was taken over.

41. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Health the daily total of milk supplied to the Pontywal Sanatorium, Talgarth, for patients and staff at the present time from its own farm; the price per gallon now charged; what is the delivery charge; what arrangements are to be made for the supply of milk when the farm is disposed of; what will be the price per gallon to be paid; and what delivery charge will be made.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

On average, 71 gallons of milk are provided to the hospital by the farm daily; this is notionally charged at 3s. 6d. per gallon, with no delivery charge. Firm arrangements for a future supply of milk have not yet been made as it is proposed to continue farming until the autumn of this year, but a quotation of 3s. 6d. per gallon with a delivery charge of 3d. per gallon has been obtained.

Mr. Watkins

Does the hon. Lady not realise that by disposing of the farm the hospital will have no guarantee of fresh T.T. milk and to get other milk must pay an extra delivery charge? Would it not be better to keep the farm going for the sake of getting fresh T.T. milk and maintaining a reliable source of vegetables and produce for the sanatorium?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The supply of vegetables and the like will not be affected. It is only the dairy farm which is going, and an estate of about 100 acres will remain. My right hon. Friend has already stated in the House that it is outside our duty to operate farms as such other than those which provide occupation for the patients, which in the case of tuberculosis centres does not apply.