HC Deb 04 July 1966 vol 731 cc26-7
17. Dr. David Owen

asked the Minister of Health what information he has about plans to build or use existing buildings for private consulting rooms within National Health Service hospitals; and what is his policy towards such schemes.

Mr. K. Robinson

I am not aware of any proposals to provide private consulting rooms or any other accommodation within National Health Service hospitals exclusively for use for private out-patients, and I would not approve such proposals.

Dr. Owen

While I welcome my right hon. Friend's reply, I notice that he mentioned the word "exclusively". Is he aware that there would be particular anxiety on the part of many hon. Members on this side of the House were any private consultations to take place at National Health Service hospitals?

Mr. Robinson

This has always been the case. Private out-patients who are treated in National Health Service hospitals generally make use of the normal out-patient accommodation at times when it is not being used for non-paying patients. This was agreed to at the outset of the National Health Service.

Mr. Peter Mills

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that what is really needed is more surgical beds to deal with the results that are found in these consulting rooms, and will he do something urgently to deal with the chronic cases that are found in South Devon and West Devon, and overcome this acute problem there?

Mr. Robinson

If the hon. Member has any particular problem in his area, perhaps he will put down a Question on the Order Paper.