HC Deb 05 March 1956 vol 549 c165W
52. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Health what facilities are available at the City General Hospital and the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary for the men and women who suffer from pneumoconiosis; and what specialists are available for such people.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

There are 46 beds for chest diseases at the City General Hospital and beds are available also at the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary for patients not needing sanatorium treatment. There are nine chest specialists.

53. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Health if he has considered the further letters from the North Staffordshire Area National Union of Mineworkers and the National Society of Pottery Workers which have been sent to him dealing with the growing concern over pneumoconiosis and the need for a treatment, research, and rehabilitation centre in or near the City of Stoke-on-Trent; and what reply he has sent.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Yes. The regional hospital board considers that there are adequate facilities for treatment in North Staffordshire. The results of the research undertaken at Llandough Hospital are made available elsewhere and there would be no gain in duplicating this work. My right hon. Friend is replying to the letter in this sense.