asked the Minister of Health how many supplies officers are employed for the five hospital management committees in Manchester; what additional staff is employed for this purpose; and what is the annual cost.

One whole-time and three who also have other duties; there are three deputies, and about fifty employees in the general administrative, clerical and ancillary grades; a precise apportionment of cost is not available.

Can my hon. Friend say how that compares with the position in 1939?

No, Sir. I do not think that a reasonable comparison can be made with the position in 1939. Some of these hospitals were then local authority hospitals, but not all of them.