Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to expand the hospital accommodation in this country with a view to maintaining the health of the civilian population during hostilities; whether he is aware that the necessary preference given now to men in uniform may prevent treatment being given to civilians whose health may be in danger; and, seeing that many hospitals in this country even in peace times had long waiting lists, whether steps will be taken without delay to prevent a general deterioration of health resulting from the war?
§ Mr. ElliotThe accommodation in existing hospitals in England and Wales has been increased by the introduction of 100,000 additional beds, together with the necessary equipment; and arrangements have been made to provide the medical and nursing staff required for these beds. Beds are at present available in the hospitals of this country for all civilians in need of in-patient treatment.
1228WThe building of huts to accommodate 38,000 further beds is well advanced and some of these huts are already completed and equipped for immediate use. Every effort is being made to accelerate the completion of the remainder.
It is my desire and intention that the necessity for providing hospital accommodation for members of the Forces should not prevent treatment being given to civilians whose health is in danger, and I trust that the local hospital authorities, especially in areas such as Tyneside where long waiting lists existed before the war, will make every possible use of the additional accommodation which is at present being provided in their areas.