HC Deb 19 May 1969 vol 784 cc9-10
33. Mr. Dean

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what parts of the National Health Service will be cut as a result of the reallocation of resources within the National Health Service to mental hospitals.

Mr. Crossman

In my recent discussions with chairmen of regional hospital Boards, I asked chairmen to report by July on the reconsideration of the distribution of revenue funds to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member on 12th May.—[Vol. 783, c. 972–4.]

Mr. Dean

In view of the urgent need for more money for mental hospitals and for nurses' pay and the like, does not the Minister think that it is absolute folly to raise £½ million more in health charges and then to hand it over to the education services?

Mr. Crossman

It would be folly if it was done. But any Minister who attempted to do this would be forbidden to do it by his Permanent Secretary. Therefore, I would advise the hon. Gentleman not to believe in something it is said I did.

Dr. Summerskill

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that he gives the impression of somebody whose left hand does not know what his other left hand is doing? Are we to take it as a precedent that the National Health Service now has so much money that it can afford to give it to another Government Department?

Mr. Crossman

That would be a wrong conclusion to draw from my answer to Question No. 33.