HC Deb 05 December 1966 vol 737 cc925-6
40. Mr. A. Royle

asked the Minister of Health if he will now make a statement on the distress and inconvenience caused to patients by the work-to-rule by limb fitters at Roehampton.

64. Mr. Channon

asked the Minister of Health if he will now intervene to end the work to rule by limb fitters at Roehampton.

Mr. K. Robinson

An agreement has been reached between the employers and the union, and the limb fitters have today resumed normal working.

Mr. Royle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the country will be delighted that this shameful business is finished? Is he also aware that there is great concern about the appointments system at Roehampton Hospital, which was partly involved with the working-to-rule by the fitters? Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for an immediate inquiry to take place into the appointments system at Roehampton Hospital?

Mr. Robinson

We are constantly seeking ways of improving the appointments system, but I think that the important and immediate thing for me to do is to get rid as quickly as possible of the waiting list that has developed as a result of the go-slow.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

While being grateful to the Minister for his original reply and for his reply to the supplementary question, may I ask whether he will consider again looking carefully into the facilities at Roehampton Hospital which, I understand, have caused some of the complaints among both patients and those who work there—facilities which were once adequate but are no longer so owing to the increase in work?

Mr. Robinson

If the hon. Gentleman has any specific criticism or complaint to make on behalf of those who go to Roehampton Hospital for treatment, I shall be very glad indeed to look into it.