South Western Region

Oral Answers to Questions — Hospitals – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 27 April 1959.

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Photo of Mr William Wilkins Mr William Wilkins , Bristol South 12:00, 27 April 1959

asked the Minister of Health why he found it necessary to cut the estimates of the South Western Regional Hospital Board by £534,000 in the current financial year.

Photo of Mr Stanley Awbery Mr Stanley Awbery , Bristol Central

asked the Minister of Health why the estimated requirement of the South Western Regional Hospital Board was reduced by over £500,000; and, in view of the need for development and improvement of the health services in this region and the increased expenditure on salaries and wages, if he will reconsider his decision.

Photo of Mr Derek Walker-Smith Mr Derek Walker-Smith , Hertfordshire East

The requests of hospital boards exceeded the total amount available for allocation to hospital authorities on revenue account. That amount is, however, substantially higher than boards' probable expenditure for last year; and the share allocated to the South Western Regional Hospital Board is, in my view, sufficient not only to enable the existing level of services to be maintained, but also to permit further developments and improvements.

Photo of Mr William Wilkins Mr William Wilkins , Bristol South

That seems a plausible explanation. but is the Minister not aware that the South Western Regional Hospital Board, as recently as 11th April, stated that to the difference of £533,000 there should be added £68,000 for increased prices, and that of its estimates £444,000 were in respect of salary and wage increases? Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Board has stated that it has now been compelled to make cuts on the services? Is he satisfied with that situation?

Photo of Mr Derek Walker-Smith Mr Derek Walker-Smith , Hertfordshire East

All regional boards' shares included provision for enabling them to bring into use new capital projects completed during the year and for further general developments and improvements, as well as such matters as progress towards the 88-hour fortnight. I am not aware of this particular statement by the Board, but I am aware that boards were invited to discuss the matter if they so wished and that this Board has not evinced any such desire.