§ 10. Mr. Maurice Macmillanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the proposed expansion of mental health care will involve a transference from the present funds of the regional hospital boards.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe extra money being devoted to hospitals for mentally handicapped this year represents a reallocation of resources by regional hospital boards. I have also urged them to review their expenditure on all long-stay hospitals, including geriatric and psychiatric, to see that they are getting their fair share.
§ Mr. MacmillanCan the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent this reallocation is leading to a slowing-down of development in other ways, and, in some districts, to the closing of beds?
§ Mr. CrossmanThere is no evidence of the closing of beds or of a slowing-down. I hope that the regional hospital boards, which have large sums of money at their disposal, are able to make economies in other areas and so make more money available in these high priority areas.
§ Mr. Arthur DavidsonIn view of the desire to improve the quality and standard of treatment at mental hospitals, will my right hon. Friend look urgently at the pay of doctors who stand by in the evenings and at weekends? Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is great dissatisfaction about pay amongst many sections of doctors which is causing a disinclination on the part of general practitioners to perform this very important duty?
§ Mr. Crossman1 will look at that point. However, I do not think that 647 in my peregrinations this problem, which is general among general practitioners, has been called to my attention in relation to long-stay hospitals.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanDoes that reply mean that no extra resources will be provided? If it does, contrary to the right hon. Gentleman's reply to me earlier, some hospital building schemes will be cut back.
§ Mr. CrossmanIt does not mean that no extra funds will be provided.