HC Deb 16 November 1939 vol 353 c855W
Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health what steps have been taken by his Department for the inspection of first-aid posts; whether he is satisfied that the facilities are adequate; and whether his Department has made any adaptations necessary following the experiences of aerial warfare in Spain?

Mr. Elliot

First-aid posts are inspected by my medical officers in each region, and I am satisfied that the facilities, with such minor adjustments as have been found necessary in some areas, are adequate for dealing with the type of case for which the posts are intended. Reports from Spain and elsewhere were taken into account when the scheme for first-aid posts was drawn up.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that in Barcelona a system of aid-posts and mobile units similar to that which exists in this country had to be abolished because it proved impossible to prevent the reception of serious cases at these posts, from which they could not be evacuated to hospitals without fatal delay; to the further fact that the death rate was notably diminished by the abolition of aid-posts and mobile units; and whether he is satisfied that such delays, as occurred at Barcelona, can be avoided in this country?

Mr. Elliot

I have seen statements in the medical Press to the effect stated in the first two parts of the question. I am advised, however, that the conditions as they existed at Barcelona are not parallel to those in this country. The instructions here are that the seriously injured are to be taken direct to hospitals and not to first-aid posts, and I have no reason to believe that these instructions will not be observed. I would also remind the hon. Member that many of our first-aid posts are actually situated at hospitals.