Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the report that the London Hospital may have to close some of its wards owing to lack of funds; if in the absence of hospital service, supported mainly by voluntary contributions, the charge on the National Exchequer for medical and surgical attendance, under the National Health Insurance Act, would be greatly increased; and if the Government have under consideration any proposal to give financial support to the London and other voluntary hospitals?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am aware of the statement referred to, and I hope that the National Relief Fund will have regard to the special difficulties of the London Hospital in distributing their grant of £700,000 towards defraying the War deficits of the voluntary hospitals of the United Kingdom. I am most anxious to preserve the voluntary system, and the proposals of the Government as contained in Clause 11 of the Ministry of Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill are put forward with a view of assisting the present urgent necessity.