§ 24. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Health whether he will give consideration to the need for air conditioning of individual wards in general and other hospitals, where it is proposed to treat bronchitis and its complications during periods of fog; and whether he will give an estimate of the cost of air conditioning for one normal sized ward.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithMy right hon. Friend is ready to consider any such proposal submitted by a hospital board, but it would, of course, have to take its place among the many other urgent proposals in hospital capital programmes. The cost of installation would vary with a number of factors, but might be of the order of £2,000 with running costs of 5s. an hour.
§ Dr. StrossWhilst thanking the hon. Lady for the information, may I ask her to bear in mind that, at the cost of £2,000, there would be the most incredible benefit to those who suffer great distress from acute forms of bronchitis at times of fog in the winter? Will she give this question as high priority as possible?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithAs the hon. Member knows, we are advised by the Standing Medical Advisory Committee on this matter. We have not had any recommendations on that basis.