HC Deb 08 May 1967 vol 746 cc1047-8
13. Mr. Hunt

asked the Minister of Health whether he will increase the financial allocation to the South-East Metropolitan Hospital Board for the current year, to enable additional resources to be allotted to the Bromley Group Hospital Management Committee, thus avoiding the threatened reduction of standards and services in the hospitals within the Bromley group.

Mr. K. Robinson

No, Sir. Revenue allocations have already been made to regional hospital boards for the current year.

Mr. Hunt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is a very disappointing answer? Is he further aware that the Bromley Group estimate has been cut by £199,000 this year? Surely the Minister realises that a cut of that severity will mean a drastic curtailment of hospital facilities within the Bromley area. Will he therefore think again about this matter and be a little more generous where lives and health are at stake?

Mr. Robinson

There is no question of a cut having been imposed on the Bromley Group, save in the sense that its allocation was less than the figure it bid for—as happens year by year with the great majority of groups in this or any other region. The management committee has received an allocation of fractionally over £2½ million for 1967–68.