asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that no Exchequer contribution has so far been paid to the hospital, Rush Green, Romford, in return for its services as an advance base hospital under the Emergency Medical Services Scheme; and whether a decision as to the grant will be expedited as the hospital's estimates for the coming year are now being drawn up?

The basis of Exchequer contributions towards the expenses of local authorities' hospitals under the emergency hospitals scheme is still under discussion with the representatives of the authorities, but if the Joint Hospital Board concerned in this case will indicate their weekly outgoings under the scheme, I shall be happy to arrange for payments on account.