§ 12. Mr. George Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will list the hospitals in Wales that he has visited officially since 1st January, 1971; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe Minister of State, who under my overall direction has special responsibility for hospital services in Wales, has paid six official visits to hospitals in Wales since 1st January.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe right hon. and learned Gentleman has answered a question which is not on the Order Paper. I asked him how many hospitals he has visited officially. Is he aware that while we appreciate the work that is done by the Minister of State, the right hon. and learned Gentleman is the Minister responsible and yet he shows no sign of a personal involvement in the health service of the Principality? That responsibility cannot belong to the Minister of State.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe Minister of State, as the hon. Gentleman knows, has, under my overall responsibility, special responsibility for hospitals in Wales. For that reason, he has shown a great interest in hospitals. He has visited 17 since he was appointed.