§ Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Minister of Health when he expects to improve the accommodation in P Block, South-mead Hospital, Bristol; and whether, meanwhile, he will follow the guidance of Committee B of the Medical Whitley Council and vary the standard charge to those living in sub-standard accommodation.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am informed that the hospital management committee has carried out some redecoration and refurnishing at this block and that further improvements will be made. The regional70W hospital board is considering plans for replacing the accommodation. I am in communication with the board on the question raised with me by the hospital management committee whether a reduced charge might be made for board and lodging. As, however, the charges made to junior medical staff for these services are standard amounts and below the cost of provision, it is difficult to envisage circumstances which would justify increasing still further the cost to the taxpayer.