HC Deb 07 May 1936 vol 311 cc1892-3W
Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the danger to public health through the inability of the voluntary hospitals to meet the demand for accommodation or beds by persons who urgently require them; and will he consider the appointment of a committee with the power to investigate these difficulties, with a view to introducing legislation to remedy this situation?

Sir K. WOOD

I have no evidence of such a general shortage of beds in voluntary hospitals as is suggested in the question. The accommodation available in voluntary hospitals has to be considered in conjunction with that provided by local authorities. The Local Government Act, 1929, provides for the cooperation of the Local Authorities with the voluntary hospitals in the development of the hospital accommodation required to meet the needs of their areas. To this end steps have been, and are continuing to be, taken to provide increased accommodation both in voluntary and in municipal hospitals where necessary, and as at present advised I see no necessity for further legislation or for the appointment of a committee as suggested by the hon. Member.