HC Deb 03 March 1955 vol 537 cc309-10W
Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland at what intervals inventories are taken in hospitals under his charge; and if he is satisfied with the method employed.

Mr. J. Stuart

Inventories at Scottish hospitals are checked at least once a year and in some hospital departments checks take place more frequently. During the past year certain weaknesses were found at a number of hospitals and have been brought to the notice of the boards of management concerned. For the most part, however, the inventory systems are now satisfactory, steady improvement having been made in the past two or three years.

Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the value of articles lost in hospitals in Scotland for each of the years 1951 to 1953.

Mr. J. Stuart

The value of articles recorded as lost in Scottish hospitals in each of the three years was as follows:

£
1951–52 18,479
1952–53 25,933
1953–54 16,068

Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the extent of the inventories carried out in hospitals under his charge; and to what extent they are limited to classes of articles most liable to loss.

Mr. J. Stuart

The inventory control at most hospitals covers all items of equipment and is not limited to classes of articles most liable to loss.