§ 86. Captain Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the response of the boards of management of hospitals to the circular issued by his Department in June, 1951, drawing attention to activities in which economies might be possible.
§ Mr. J. StuartI am satisfied that this particular circular served a useful purpose, but I still expect all hospital authorities constantly to maintain a vigilant scrutiny of their expenditure so that all practicable economies may be achieved.
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§ 87. Captain Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to check the losses which have been frequently shown on hospitals' market gardening accounts.
§ Mr. J. StuartI have arranged for the market gardens at the hospitals where losses have been returned to be investigated at an early date by a horticultural expert. The action which will be taken will depend on the results of the investigation.
§ 88. Captain Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many examples of overstaffing have been brought to notice by the reports of his adviser on hospital domestic administration; and what action he has taken on them.
§ Mr. J. StuartThis official has drawn attention to possibilities of reducing domestic staff at 21 hospitals, but many of these possibilities depend on the purchase of labour-saving devices or the employment of senior supervisory staff. The boards of management have been asked to consider her recommendations.