HC Deb 17 February 1969 vol 778 cc24-5W
Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the amount of expenditure by the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board on food, drink and hospitality in the year 1967–68; how this compares with previous years; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Snow

The Board's expenditure on hospitality, including food and drink, was £578 in 1967–68 compared with £547, £576 and £582 in 1966–67, 1965–66 and 1964–65 respectively.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has received requesting him to take steps to abolish the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board.

Mr. Snow

None, except in questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Nuneaton and Rugby.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of time taken for a quarterly meeting of the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board.

Mr. Snow

Meetings are held every two months and usually last about an hour.

Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the number of administrative staff employed by the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board on 31st December 1968 and on 31st December 1963, respectively;

(2) whether he will state the cost of the administrative staff employed by the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board in the 12 months ended 31st December 1968 and ended 31st December 1963, respectively.

Mr. Snow

203 in 1963 and 305 in 1968, at a cost of £198,542 in 1963–64 and £395,000, estimated, for 1968–69. The increase is principally due to the substantial expansion of the hospital building programme, and to the development of staff training and management services, including computer services and work study, at Board level for the benefit of the hospital service.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now take steps to abolish the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board.

Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now disband the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board in view of its failure to provide for the needs of people in the Rugby area.

Mr. Snow

No.