§ 48. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health what consultations take place with regional hospital boards regarding plans for the rebuilding of teaching hospitals.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI rely on Boards of Governors to consult the appropriate regional hospital boards, who are, moreover, represented by their own nominees on the boards of governors.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopCannot the right hon. and learned Gentleman go further? Is he not aware that it is of the highest importance that the four projects go forward which we all wish to see and that there should be full consultation to avoid waste of beds? In the specific case of the North West Metropolitan Board, will he look into that particular case to see if the Board was consulted about the changed plans for the building of the new Charing Cross Hospital?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithOn the generality of the matter, I fully accept the desirability of full consultation, and it is understood that that should take place in all these cases. If the hon. Gentleman has any question relating to a specific project, perhaps he would be good enough to put it down as a Question or write to me.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWould the right hon. and learned Gentleman say that he welcomes arrangements made between the teaching hospitals and other hospitals to make full and economic use of the beds available, and would he not regret such arrangements being destroyed?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI would naturally welcome every action on the part of the regional hospital boards and the boards of governors which lead to efficient and economic use of the service.