§ Mr. CROOKEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the scheme by which the Sheffield hospitals are run by 1951W a joint council, with the result that the institutions are now self-supporting; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the working of this scheme in order to facilitate its adoption in other municipalities, in view of the financial difficulties at present obtaining in most hospitals?
Mr. GREENWOODThe Sheffield Joint Hospital Council are not responsible for the administration of the voluntary hospitals in their area, but my right hon. Friend is aware of the admirable work done by the Council in organising the systematic collection of weekly contributions. It is not necessary to institute any inquiry into the working of the Sheffield scheme, as this is already well known among hospital authorities. The adoption of this or other schemes of mass contribution in other areas is a matter for local decision, but my right hon. Friend is glad to learn that the question has been engaging the attention of many local voluntary hospital committees.