HC Deb 08 June 1944 vol 400 cc1541-2W
Captain Bullock

asked the Minister of Health (1) if he will bear in mind the importance of a good library in all hospitals when plans for post-war improvements are being considered; and if he will take steps to secure that the almoner's department controls and supervises the library in hospitals;

(2) if he will consider having paid trained librarians in hospitals after the war, since a carefully chosen librarian will play a considerable part in the rehabilitation work of the future; and if he will ensure that paid librarians are part of the hospital staff under the almoner's department;

(3) if, when considering future arrangements for hospital libraries, he will consult those responsible for the running of the county libraries with a view to cooperation between them; and if he will consider having the paid hospital librarian trained in cataloguing, mending and general arrangement of libraries by the county librarian.

Mr. Willink

I fully appreciate the value of library facilities in hospitals, and I will bear in mind the suggestions made by my hon. and gallant Friend.