HC Deb 14 May 1962 vol 659 cc914-6
7. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now received the report of the inquiry into the management of the Rubery Hill Hospital in Birmingham; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Powell

No, Sir.

Mr. Chapman

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this report is expected and when it will be published? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us, after careful thought, have very grave reservations about the use of a public inquiry in cases like this, since it may do great harm to the traditions of voluntary public service in this country if a man can be invited by the Minister to perform voluntary work, can do it in a distinguished manner for many years and then find himself subject to the sort of public inquiry which involves him in personal costs of many thousands of pounds?

Mr. Powell

The hon. Gentleman asked me whether I had received the report. I have not yet received it. Until I do, which is not a matter within my control, it would obviously be improper for me to comment.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this whole affair raises very grave issues indeed of public policy and that when the report is received and published and the right hon. Gentleman announces a decision we shall wish to debate it?

28. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Health what part of the total costs incurred by Mr. D. Rhydderch in defending himself at the recent inquiry into the direction of the Rubery Hill Hospital is being met from public funds.

Mr. Powell

Two hundred and fifty pounds and the cost of a transcript of evidence has been promised, without prejudice to further consideration.

Mr. Chapman

Since the total costs to Mr. Rhydderch personally seem likely to be about £3,000, can the Minister give a firm assurance that he will reconsider the figure of £250? Since he would not answer this question before, may I ask it again: does not he realise the grave implications for the traditions of public voluntary service if a Minister, appointing a—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is not in order to ask a question to which an answer has been refused

Mr. Chapman

The Minister did not refuse to answer. He simply did not answer at all.

Mr. Speaker

He did not give an answer, which, from my point of view, makes the hon. Member's repetition of the question on this day out of order.

Mr. Chapman

May I ask the first question again? Is it not clear that this figure of £250 is so low and the implications of it for the traditions of public voluntary service so great that it should be reconsidered?

Mr. Powell

The solicitors have been told that it is open to them to make representations at any time for an increase in the amount.

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