§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Minister of Health whether he has given further consideration to the report of the Voluntary Hospitals Commission; whether he proposes to provide public funds for hospital extension on the lines recommended; and whether he has any statement to make?
Sir H. YOUNGI am aware of the recommendation made by the Voluntary Hospitals Commission in their report of 1925, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the situation has been materially altered since that date by the passing of the Local Government Act, 1929, which confers wide powers upon county councils2044W and county borough councils in relation to the provision of hospital accommodation, including the power to make subscriptions or donations to voluntary hospitals. In view of these powers it is clearly undesirable to provide assistance in the form of direct Exchequer grant.