HC Deb 09 November 1971 vol 825 cc819-20
18. Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent communication he has had with the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board over pay beds at Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry.

Sir K. Joseph

None, Sir.

Mr. Price

Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that the most serious allegations about the misuse of private beds at this hospital have been made by a number of organisations and individuals, that these allegations have not been answered and that it amounts to a public scandal if we are not to get the inquiry which was promised? When the Minister next has a couple of hours to spare will he get on a train, go to Birmingham and sort out this dogmatic and bureaucratic board?

Sir K. Joseph

No, Sir. The hon. Gentleman and one of his hon. Friends are conducting a vendetta against the board. [Interruption.] I have complete confidence in the board and I believe that it is the hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friend who are doing a great ill service to the public. I am always ready to receive evidence and study what should he done in the light of that evidence, but the hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friend have sent me none.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that there is great public concern in the area, that this concern is reflected in articles in responsible local newspapers, that a number of allegations have been made and that the best thing for the right hon. Gentleman to do if he does not believe them is to allow them to be fully and openly investigated?

Sir K. Joseph

If the hon. Lady, for whom I have great respect, lends her support to these allegations and will send me any evidence, I will certainly undertake to study it.