§ 54. Mr. Stan Awberyasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the reduced allocation of finance to the South Western Regional Hospital Board is preventing the necessary maintenance work of the hospitals from being carried out, that this is being deferred to the future, thus impairing efficiency, and that additional appointments have also had to be deferred for the same reason; and if 63W he will take steps to increase the allocation to the amount estimated by the committee so that this regional committee can function effectively and efficiently.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am not clear what the hon. Member means by the first part of the Question. The amount allocated to this Board for 1955–56 allows not only for the maintenance of the existing standard of the hospital services in the region, but also, as fully as the total voted by Parliament permits, for improvements and developments. I have undertaken, if necessary, to increase the allocation to meet the cost of salaries and wages awards not already provided for, and to adjust it to reflect any changes in price levels. I regret that I cannot go beyond this.