HC Deb 31 July 1972 vol 842 cc7-8
6. Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now appoint a paediatric consultant to be based upon Aberystwyth Hospital.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

The Welsh Hospital Board has no present plans to appoint a consultant paediatrician at Aberystwyth. A second consultant paediatrician based at Carmarthen is being appointed and this will enable an improved service to be provided at Aberystwyth.

Mr. Morgan

Does not the Minister of State recollect that some months ago Professor Peter Gray, who was chairman of the Advisory Paediatric Committee, gave it as his opinion that the movement of sick children from the Aberystwyth Hospital's catchment area to Carmarthen was wholly unsatisfactory and that there would never be an acceptable standard of service for very many people living in that part of mid-Wales unless a paediatric consultant were stationed at Aberystwyth? Will the hon. Gentleman reconsider this very important matter?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Professor Gray's report was very important. He considered that the ideal for the Carmarthen Aberystwyth-Haverfordwest area, would be four paediatric consultants. He recognised that the present approved establishment of two was more generous on a poulation basis than was general in England and Wales. Only a month ago the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan) welcomed the decision that I was able to give him on 22nd May.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is equal concern in Pembrokeshire about the paediatric service, partly for the reasons that he has already quoted from Dr. Gray's report? Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the need to keep closely under review the new provisions being made for the new district general hospital?

Mr. Morgan

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The welcome that I gave to the Minister of State a month ago was on the basis of mishearing his answer. I beg to give notice that in view of the hon. Gentleman's unsatisfactory replies today, I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest moment.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Gower. Question No. 7.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

In answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Pembroke (Mr. Nicholas Edwards)—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The Minister of State is out of order. Question No. 7.