HC Deb 03 December 1953 vol 521 cc162-3W
86. Colonel Stoddart-Scott

asked the Minister of Health what deficit was incurred in 1952–53 on the cultivation of hospital farms, the cultivation of hospital gardens and the cultivation of regional board gardens, respectively.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The accounts of hospital authorities in England and Wales show, subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General, a recorded expenditure for the year 1952–53 on farms and gardens exceeding income by £460,989. It will not be possible to ascertain accurately the amount of any losses until trading accounts have been introduced by all hospital authorities. Separate figures for hospital farms and for hospital gardens are not available, nor is the cost to regional hospital boards generally of maintaining gardens shown separately in the accounts.