§ 14. Mr. Seymourasked the Minister of Health if he will exclude from the proposed sale of land at the Women's Hospital, Showell Green Lane, Birmingham, that area cultivated for many years by the Oakwood Road Allotment Society.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernard Braine)The land is part of the endowments of the United Birmingham Hospitals. My right hon. Friend has no control over its disposal.
§ Mr. SeymourIs not my hon. Friend aware that this site has been cultivated for nearly fifty years and that it is the only land available for allotments in the area? Is he also aware that in 1959 when the allotment holders lost their natural supply of water, on an assurance that they would not be disturbed, they laid on a piped supply at the cost of £60? I know that this is an endowment, but it does belong to the Women's Hospital under the control of the Minister. Will he look again into this matter?
§ Mr. BraineI note what my hon. Friend says, but I am sure that on reflection he will agree that the board of governors, as prudent trustees, should dispose of the land in a manner which will ensure obtaining the best price.
§ Mr. Harold DaviesOn the question of the sale of land in and around hospitals, is the hon. Gentleman aware that valuable farms and valuable horticultural land are, because of Government policy, being sold and the hospitals have to buy in the private market the fresh vegetables 12 and fruit which hitherto they produced themselves? Would he look into this question at the same time?
§ Mr. BraineI am not so aware, but if the hon. Gentleman has a particular instance, I will certainly look into it if he will provide me with details.