§ 14. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Health when he received a deputation from the appropriate staff side of the Whitley Council on hospital staffing and allied matters; what was the purpose of their visit; and when he will make a statement on the action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. PowellLast Friday; I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the agreed statement issued after the meeting.
§ Dame Irene WardIs my right hon. Friend aware that agreed statements do not get one anywhere? Would he not bear in mind that all these deputations that have been to the Minister have been on two or three specific points? When is he to make a full statement and take action on the pressures being brought by these deputations so that certain definite decisions will flow from them?
§ Mr. PowellI do not share my hon. Friend's objection to agreed statements. In fact, I think that agreed statements are sometimes preferable to disagreed statements. I have been able to show those who came to see me on this question that hospital authorities will, during this financial year, have additional spending money and that they are getting what help I can give them in laying that out smoothly and effectively.