§ 26. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction among hospital administrators following the recent appointment of a house governor without previous hospital experience at Hammersmith Hospital; whether he regards this appointment as consonant with the recommendations of Sir Noel Hall as accepted by him; and if he will make a statement.
32. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Health, in view of the continuing concern in the hospital service about this matter, if he will set up a committee of inquiry into the circumstances in which the appointment of a new secretary to the Board of Governors of the Hammersmith Post-Graduate Teaching Hospital Group came to be made; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Enoch Powell)The Institute of Hospital Administrators have expressed to me concern about the circumstances of this appointment and have asked for a committee of inquiry. I will announce my decision as soon as possible.
§ Mr. RobinsonWhile no one objects to the introduction of fresh blood into the hospital service, is the Minister aware that this is one of the twenty or thirty top jobs in the Service? Is it not a fact that this appointment was made by the narrowest majority and against the advice of the assessors, and will he, when considering this matter, let us have his decision at the earliest date?
§ Mr. PowellFor the reasons given in my Answer, I should not add to it at this stage.
Mrs. ButlerMay I add my representation that the Minister should make a decision on this matter as quickly as possible in view of the concern at all 891 levels in the hospital service at the nature of this appointment, which seems to suggest that knowledge of hospital administration is no longer a prerequisite for a top hospital appointment?
§ Mr. PowellI shall not avoidably delay my decision.