§ 36. Mr. Ledgerasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the shortage of radiographers at Oldchurch Hospital, Romford; and what action is being taken to improve this situation at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am aware of the position, both at Oldchurch Hospital and generally. On the action taken, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Walthamstow, West (Mr. Redhead) on 2nd December.
§ Mr. LedgerIs the Minister not aware that the situation is now so bad that the medical superintendent of Oldchurch Hospital has sent a circular to all doctors in the area served asking them to be even more selective in the patients they send to the out-patients department? Does this not mean that many people who should be receiving treatment will not receive it, and does he think that he is encouraging the recruitment of radiographers and other technicians in the National Health Service in view of the veto he put on the pay award which was granted?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI see that a basic grade radiographer was recruited to this hospital on 18th November and an assistant radiographer on 11th November. Both these recruitments took place after the action to which the hon. Gentleman has incorrectly applied the word "veto".