Mr. MILNEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, under an arrangement with the Worcester County Council, the committee of the Kidderminster infirmary and children's hospital have hitherto provided treatment for about 85 persons annually suffering from venereal diseases, and have further provided in-patient treatment for about 28 persons; whether he is aware that the closure of the in-patient department of the infirmary is now contemplated; if so, whether, seeing that such closure may necessitate the transfer to Worcester of patients who may be dangerously ill, he will state what saving in expenditure the 1705W closure of the in-patient department will bring about; and whether, in view of the risk to the patients incurred by the conveyance to Worcester, he will reconsider his decision in the matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware of the proposals pf the Worcestershire County Council in this matter, and I am in communication with the council as to the arrangements which they propose to make for cases needing immediate inpatient treatment. The saving in expenditure due to the proposals is estimated to amount to more than£100 per annum.