§ 77. Mr. Prescottasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by medical practitioners in obtaining admission to hospital for the chronic sick and that many deaths have resulted directly from the failure to obtain hospital accommodation for such persons; and if he will make a statement on the position.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopI know that over the country as a whole there is a serious shortage of beds for the chronic sick. This can be finally cured only by the provision of additional beds, but my right hon. Friend is meanwhile considering a number of measures which he hopes will alleviate the position.
§ 78. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on the result of his meeting with a deputation representing 20,000 doctors, on 15th March, concerning the shortage of beds for emergency cases.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopNot yet. These discussions are still going on and are proceeding satisfactorily.