§ Mr. MARCHasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the straitened circumstances of many hospitals; and whether he is prepared to introduce a comprehensive health system on a national basis in order to cope with the demand for treatment and remove the need for charitable support?
Mr. GREENWOODThe position of the voluntary hospitals, though it is still difficult, has greatly improved since the Report of Lord Cave's Committee. The proposal contained in the second part of the question is one with which my right hon. Friend has some sympathy, but it raises far reaching issues, both medical and financial, and he is not at present prepared to give any undertaking as to it.