Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Health how many hospital farms were visited by the special committee set up by the Welsh Regional Hospital Board to inquire into farming activities of hospitals; how many hospital farms he has agreed to close; the acreage to be disposed of either by sale or letting; and how the disposal is to be carried out.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodFourteen hospital farms have been visited. Firm decisions have been reached in respect of six of these and involve the abandonment of full-scale farming, although pig and poultry keeping on a small scale may continue. In the remaining eight cases the question of the amount of land to be disposed of is still under consideration although it has been decided in principle that full-scale farming should be given up at six of these hospitals. At least 1,870 acres are to be sold or let. If the land is not required by other Government Departments or public authorities it is normally sold by public auction or let by public tender.
6Wprivacy and not in the view of other patients.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am not aware of a need for any such instructions, but if the hon. Member will bring to my notice any instance he has in mind I will certainly investigate it.