HC Deb 16 December 1943 vol 395 cc1709-10W
Captain Duncan

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any statement to make on the complaint made by Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital of delay in completing the nurses' home now used for storing furniture for bombed-out families?

Dr. Summerskill

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the nurses' home at Queen Charlotte's Hospital is still used by a local authority to warehouse bombed furniture and the nurses compelled to use hospital beds that would otherwise be used for maternity cases; and whether he will expedite the clearance of this home?

Mr. Willink

At the outbreak of war the nurses' home at Queen Charlotte's Hospital was still a shell and building work was discontinued. In September, 1941, the shell was requisitioned for the storage of furniture from bombed houses, with the consent of the hospital. Pressure on the hospital's beds increased, and after discussion it was agreed that an effort should be made to carry on the building of the nurses' home in spite of war-time difficulties in order to free the beds in the Hospital now occupied by nurses. Agreement was reached in regard to the disposal of the furniture and it was decided in August last that plans should be got out for the completion of the major part of the home. These plans, which will involve the use of large amounts of controlled materials were submitted to my Department only on the 29th November and are now being considered.