§ 22. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what facilities have been available for private patients at Wolsgrave Hospital, Coventry, since its opening; how many private patients have been treated; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephThe number of private in-patients treated up to 31st January was 736. I am informed that at times the number of beds used for private patients exceeded the number authorised, and I have asked the regional hospital board to investigate and to report to me on any failure to observe the statutory procedure.
§ Mr. HuckfieldIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the opening 302 of the hospital about £31,000 has been paid by private patients for private treatment? Is he aware that beds were promised to consultants before they were given authorisation by him? Is he further aware that on the hospital waiting list in the Coventry area there are over 5,000 patients? In addition to asking the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board for a report, will he institute a full public inquiry into what is fast becoming a national scandal?
§ Sir K. JosephNo, Sir. I have no knowledge of these things. That is why I have asked the regional board for a full report.
§ Mr. William PriceIs the right hon. Gentleman able to tell us what percentage of that £31,000 went to the consultants? Is not this another example of the vicious secrecy with which the regional board conducts its affairs? Is it not clear that what we want is a full investigation of the board itself?
§ Sir K. JosephNo, Sir. I am not able to answer those questions. But I must emphasise that there are two questions here, apart from the report which I await. One is the past and any possible irregularities there have been; the other is the future and the right number ofs private beds in this hospital group, on which, after long correspondence, I understand, between the hospital management committee and the regional board, I am awaiting advice.
§ Dr. SummerskillWhat is the Government's policy towards private pay-beds? I welcome the inquiry which the right hon. Gentleman will hold into this matter, but will he bear in mind that the last Government reduced the number of private pay-beds in hospitals by over 1,000 in England and Wales? Does he plan a similar reduction or an even greater reduction?
§ Sir K. JosephI have no information on which to judge whether any reduction or increase is at the moment necessary. We think it right that people who wish to pay for hospital treatment should be entitled to do so in a proper proportion of National Health Service beds, always bearing in mind the needs of those who do not wish to pay, who constitute the vast majority.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that those of us who welcome his decision to inquire into this matter hope that he will protect the integrity of the inquiry by ensuring that any consultants or other personnel from this hospital who are also members of the regional board are not wearing two hats when the inquiry is going on? Will he take appropriate action to ensure that that does not happen?
§ Sir K. JosephI have not promised an inquiry into these things. I said that I have asked the regional board for a report. What I do after I study the report is for the Government's decision.