§ 44. Sir H. Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Health whether he will establish machinery whereby the building programmes of local authorities may be related to the hospital, nursing and maternity home, and other health services, to ensure that adequate facilities are available as and when the programmes proceed.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Charles Loughlin)My right hon. Friend has already asked local health and welfare authorities and hospital authorities to work closely together and with executive councils in formulating plans for the development of their services. It is for these authorities to take account of any building programmes which may alter the need for facilities for which they are responsible.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeWill the hon. Gentleman reconsider his Answer? Is he not aware that regional hospital boards are becoming increasingly concerned about this matter, especially because of the desire of many local authorities to have overspill populations brought into their areas which, when the hospital service is already overstrained, means even greater strain?
§ Mr. LoughlinWhen I first saw the Question I investigated whether there was any avenue with which my right hon. Friend had not dealt for ensuring co-operation. The specific point mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, population changes, is taken into account.