§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Health how many members of the honorary staffs of the voluntary hospitals in London have accepted part-time service up to date; what is the cost to the Exchequer of this reorganisation of the Emergency Medical Service; how many beds at the teaching hospitals have been reserved by his Department for casualties and at what cost?
§ Mr. ElliotIn the London hospital sectors 519 whole-time officers of consultant or specialist grade in the Emergency Medical Service have elected to transfer to the arrangement under which they receive a salary of £500 a year for whatever services are required of them. This reorganisation has effected a saving to the Exchequer at the rate of £160,300 a year. The number of beds now maintained at the 12 London teaching hospitals for casualties is 1,946, for which an average weekly payment of £6,386 is being made on account, pending ascertainment of the actual cost properly involved.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the discontent which now exists by reason of the procedure adopted in connection with the medical treatment of evacuated children, not adequately permitting free choice of doctor; and whether he will review the arrangements so as to ensure satisfaction both to those in charge of the children and to the medical profession?
§ Mr. ElliotI am not aware that discontent exists as to the procedure adopted, which permits complete freedom of choice of doctor by the householder with whom the child is billeted; the second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.