HC Deb 20 March 1967 vol 743 cc1029-31
22 and 31. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Health (1) what steps he is taking to prevent a reduction in the numbers of maternity beds serving the Kingston and Maiden area; and

(2) why, in view of the valuable work done by St. Teresa's Hospital, Wimbledon, to provide maternity beds for the use of mothers in Maiden and Kingston, he has decided to withdraw financial support from this hospital.

Mr. K. Robinson

No reduction is proposed. A new maternity unit of 50 beds at Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton, will replace the 40 beds now used at St. Teresa's Hospital. In addition 10 extra beds are to be provided at Queen Charlotte's Hospital and 12 at Kingston Hospital.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the Minister aware that last year he admitted to me that there was a shortage of beds in the area? Is he aware that the decision to abandon St. Teresa's as a maternity hospital has outraged local opinion and has created very bad relations between local opinion and the board? As his own Answer to me last week indicated that his alternative method of providing these beds was some 30 per cent. more expensive to the taxpayer, will he not reconsider the matter?

Mr. Robinson

No, Sir; I do not accept that the alternative provision will be 30 per cent. more expensive to the taxpayer, nor is it a question of abandoning this maternity hospital. The issue is the continued National Health Service subsidy for beds in a private maternity hospital which will be no longer needed by the National Health Service for that purpose after the end of the year.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall seek the earliest opportunity to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

29. Mr. A. Royle

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department will reconsider the decision taken by the Hospital Board to withdraw financial support for St. Teresa's Maternity Hospital, Wimbledon.

Mr. K. Robinson

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question on 13th March.—[Vol. 743, c. 27–8.]

Mr. Royle

Why is the Minister taking such an inhumane attitude? Is he aware that his replies to my right hon. Friend just now make it clear that a decision has been taken on ideological grounds, that a service must be provided within the Health Service regardless of either local wishes or cost, and that local people are very concerned indeed at his attitude?

Mr. Robinson

If the hon. Gentleman thinks that this decision was made on ideological grounds, clearly his understanding and mine of the word are not the same. It is perfectly clear that as the hospital building programme advances there is bound to be a progressive reduction in the number of contractual arrangements with private establishments.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many people who support him on general ideological grounds nevertheless believe that he has made a mistake in this matter? Would he receive a deputation from the women's section of the Putney Labour Party on the matter?

Mr. Robinson

I will consider all suggestions made by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Royle

On a point of order. Again, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.