HC Deb 18 July 1960 vol 627 cc10-1
23. Mr. W. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Health what procedure he is proposing to adopt in investigating the allegations of privilege accorded to private patients attending as National Health Service out-patients in certain Manchester Hospitals, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Manchester, Exchange.

Miss Pitt

I assume the hon. Member refers to the enclosures to his letter of 6th July. These deal mainly with delegation of work by consultants to less senior doctors, but my right hon. and learned Friend is arranging for consideration of this and other matters with which he has been concerned, by the hospital boards.

Mr. Griffiths

In thanking the hon. Lady for that Answer, may I ask whether she also proposes to forward to the Regional Board for investigation the letters sent to her by, for instance, a Manchester consultant or from any other sources from which they have come to her Ministry, so that the whole of these matters can be investigated by the regional board? When the board's investigation has been completed, will the hon. Lady be prepared to make a statement in the House as to its findings?

Miss Pitt

My right hon. and learned Friend is seeking the views of the board concerning the letter from the consultant which the hon. Member has mentioned. As to the final position, I would rather not commit my right hon. and learned Friend, but certainly the hon. Member will be made aware of whatever information is available.

Mr. K. Robinson

On the final point, does the hon. Lady not agree that there is considerable anxiety on this sort of matter? If she investigates allegations, will she ensure that a statement is made to the House in order to allay public anxiety on the matter?

Miss Pitt

I would not wish to exaggerate the anxiety, which has been raised principally by the hon. Member for Manchester, Exchange (Mr. W. Griffiths). If information about Manchester is forthcoming, I should have thought it proper to acquaint him first.