HC Deb 25 June 1956 vol 555 cc24-5
40. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to adopt the recommendation of the Guillebaud Committee that regional boards should not be required to submit capital development schemes of less than £50,000 for prior approval by his Department.

Mr. Turton

This is still under consideration.

Mr. Robinson

The right hon. Gentleman has had this matter under consideration for six months, and does he not agree that it is desirable for regional hospital boards to have control of their own budget with the minimum of interference from his Department, and would he expedite a favourable reply to this matter?

Mr. Turton

The hon. Gentleman put down a similar question to the Chancellor on 19th June and received a similar reply. This is bound up with certain other recommendations of the Guillebaud Committee.

Dr. Summerskill

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell us which of the recommendations of the Guillebaud Committee he is prepared to accept?

Mr. Turton

I would refer the hon. Lady to the reply I gave to the House on 25th January, which set that out in considerable detail.

Mr. Peyton

Would my right hon. Friend press upon the Treasury the views of the regional hospital boards on this matter, namely, that it is desirable that these responsible boards should be given the maximum of freedom with which to conduct their difficult task?

Mr. Turton

I am aware of the views expressed by my hon. Friend.