§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the hospital broadcasting associations in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MoyleI regret that this information is not available centrally. I understand that some 130 or so hospital broadcasting associations in England are members of the National Association of Hospital Broadcasting Organisations.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what encouragement he gives to area health authorities 915W to help in setting up hospital broadcasting units;
(2) if he will make a grant to the various hospital broadcasting associations, based on the number of patients which each association serves;
(3) if he will allow area health authorities to have collecting boxes on each ward of their hospitals to assist in maintaining and improving hospital broadcasts.
§ Mr. MoyleHospital broadcasting units are established by voluntary effort, subject to approval by the area health authorities concerned. My Department has not asked authorities to encourage and support provision of particular amenities for patients by voluntary organisations, but they have been asked to encourage and support voluntary organisations generally in their work for hospital patients. It is not the policy of my Department to support specific local services in hospitals with grants from central funds. Expenditure on hospital services, including financial support for particular activities of voluntary organisations, is decided by health authorities within the limits of their resources and local priorities. The use in hospital wards of collecting boxes by voluntary organisations is a matter for the health authorities concerned, who would be expected to ensure that care is taken not to give patients or visitors the impression that they are expected to contribute.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consult with the Post Office concerning radio links with hospital broadcasting associations; and if he will obtain their views on the licensing of such links.
§ Mr. MoyleAny sound programme services that are locally initiated for hospitals are available by means of wired distribution systems only. Links between hospital premises would be by means of Post Office land lines and not by radio in view of the scarcity of radio frequencies. Consultation with the Post Office has not been necessary since I know of no difficulty experienced by hospitals in obtaining connections. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is responsible for the licensing of hospital broadcasting services.