HC Deb 16 March 1959 vol 602 cc17-8
24. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health what is his policy with regard to the embellishment of new hospitals by means of mural decoration and sculpture; and whether he is prepared to allow the expenditure of reasonable sums out of Exchequer funds for this purpose where major capital projects are involved.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)

I expect hospital boards to make the best use of the money available for capital development. While necessary building work remains undone, this must, in my view, unfortunately preclude expenditure from Exchequer funds on works of embellishment.

Mr. K. Robinson

Does not the Minister accept that public authorities have a duty to the community in this respect? Will he not take a leaf out of the book of Scandinavian countries, which devote 1 per cent. of the cost of public buildings towards their embellishment? Is he aware that his policy is not nearly so civilised as is that of some of his right hon. Friends, such as the Minister of Education and the Minister of Works, and would he not think again about this matter?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I certainly do not admit to any lack of enthusiasm in this direction, but I think the House will agree that schools are, of their very nature, more appropriate than hospitals for the inducement of an appreciation of the arts. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] It is right that hospitals should be built with due regard to aesthetic principles but, for the time being, we must ensure that all our resources are devoted to work of direct benefit to the patient. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that, in many cases, there are non-Exchequer funds that could very appropriately be used for this purpose.