HC Deb 09 February 1959 vol 599 cc855-6
45 and 46. Mr. Cliffe

asked the Minister of Health (1) what reply he has made to the letter of 10th November, 1958, from the Finsbury Borough Council, regarding the future of the Royal Free Hospital and Medical School in Gray's Inn Road;

(2) what proposals he has under consideration regarding the future development of the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital and the London Fever Hospital.

Mr. Walker-Smith

The council's letter was an expression of views which did not call for any immediate reply. I have noted those views. The ultimate future of all these hospitals arises in connection with the proposal to rebuild the Royal Free Hospital and Medical School in Hampstead and the consequential long-term hospital needs of central London, but no early action is being considered in relation to the existing hospitals.

Mr. Cliffe

Is the Minister aware that this is a matter of great concern to my constituents, many of whom use this hospital very frequently? In view of the fact that the council has already made representations to the Minister and that the local medical practitioners have expressed their view in connection with the Royal Free Hospital, would he agree to receive a deputation from both the council and the local medical practitioners?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I am, of course, familiar with the views expressed by the London Local Medical Committee and by the Finsbury Borough Council, and I shall have their views in mind. The hon. Gentleman must appreciate that these are long-term proposals, depending on the time taken for the rebuilding of the Royal Free Hospital, and that no question of closure or anything of that kind arises at the present time.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the Minister give an assurance that in any further discussions about this development the regional hospital board will be kept fully in consultation?

Mr. Walker-Smith

Of course, they will be kept in consultation, but all this will take some years to bring to fruition.

Mr. Cliffe

As I am profoundly dissatisfied with the Minister's answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.