§ 22. Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services which regional health authorities will have a net growth in capital spending after the implementation of the proposals announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 7 July.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkePlanned capital expenditure by regional health authorities is being reduced this year by about £13 million. This will still enable all regions to maintain substantial programmes of investment in building new and upgrading existing capital stock.
§ Mr. DubsIs not the truth that the hospital closures that will follow from the Government's policies on Health Service expenditure will have the effect, certainly in the London area, of penalising some of the most disadvantaged communities in Britain and removing any freedom of choice that these people might have in health care?
§ Mr. ClarkeThe largest cuts in capital spending by the Health Service and, therefore, the longest delays in new hospital building, took place in 1976 under the previous Labour Government, when their economic policy fell into ruins in the wake of the IMF's intervention. The hon. Gentleman's constituents need a pattern of services that meet patient requirements now. That need will not be met by the unnecessary retention of surplus acute beds in old hospitals. It will be met instead by the growing provision of community care in place of that surplus provision.
§ Mr. RogersAs the Minister has prefaced many of his answers either by saying "This is the truth of the matter" or "This is the real truth of the matter", would he like in future to tell the House when he is being honest?
§ Mr. ClarkeIt is my recollection that I answered many questions which were prefaced by the phrase "Is not the real truth that", which I refuted. I am reminded of the following quotation:
What is truth? said jesting Pilate; and would not stay for an answer.That is the attitude of most Labour Members on the National Health Service.