asked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken to assist the mobility of the disabled passenger group.

asked the Minister of Health what action he now intends to take in order to provide vehicles for those too severely disabled to drive, and thus in need of the services of a second person as driver.

With the exception of certain disabled war pensioners, invalid vehicles are provided at Exchequer expense only to those who can with safety drive the vehicle themselves. I have no plans for changing the present policy in this respect.

Does the Minister realise that these people, many of whom suffer from such diseases as muscular dystrophy, are unable to use any public transport and are less well treated than disabled drivers? We all recognise the problems involved, but should not the Minister try to set up a study in depth to ascertain the size of the problem and the difficulties facing these people so that we understand better what we are talking about when we refer to the disabled passenger group?

I can give the hon. Gentleman some idea of the size of the problem, because we have made estimates. The capital cost of providing cars to those eligible for a vehicle but unable to drive themselves is estimated at about £25 million. In addition, there would be annual maintenance costs of about £6½ million.

Are not there more anomalies in connection with this group than with any other, because they are provided with transport when their illness is at a comparatively mild stage, but when they get worse and thus need more help the help is taken from them?

I would not say that this problem is without its anomalies. I have no power at present to enable additional groups of the disabled to be provided with cars. The Health Services and Public Health Bill will provide those powers, but I would not want to raise any false hopes at the moment that any wide extension of the provision is likely in present economic circumstances.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that under the present system for the assistance of disabled drivers great hazard is caused by the fact that the cars supplied have only one passenger door and that, if these vehicles overturn, which they are particularly prone to do, on to the nearside the passenger is trapped and, moreover, the petrol tank is then directly above the hot engine?

I would not accept all that my hon. Friend says, but in any event I do not think that it arises out of the Question. If he would care to table a Question, I will do my best to answer it.

Will not the Minister agree to have another look at this? Does he accept that there is much evidence to suggest that the greater the need for transport facilities the less can be provided under present regulations?

We have done a study of this. A certain amount of research has been done into the classes to whom it might be possible to make an extension when economic circumstances permit. This is one deserving group. It is not the only one.

Will not my right hon. Friend try to give us grounds for a little more optimism about what will happen when economic circumstances improve? Will he bear in mind the very real difficulty facing disabled drivers in singleseat vehicles in the event of breakdown or other mishaps, which might deter them from even applying for a vehicle?

These matters are always being studied. We are always doing our best to improve the safety of these vehicles, which I do not accept are unsafe at present. Of course I would like to extend the eligibility for vehicles, but we must wait to see how the economic situation turns out.

asked the Minister of Health what provision he is planning for the exemption from paying prescription charges of patients suffering from chronic schizophrenia and other psychoses.

asked the Minister of Health whether those suffering from cancer will be exempt from prescription charges.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent his definition of the chronic sick for the purpose of reimbursing prescription charges will include the psychiatric patients whose health depends upon long-term, possibly permanent medication and who, without medicine would soon become chronic sick.

asked the Minister of Health why he has not designated as a chronic sick person exempt from prescription charges one who has suffered from a coronary thrombosis.

For the reasons explained in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Ladywood (Mr. Victor Yates) on 21st March, it is not possible to include these conditions as such within the definition of chronic sickness for exemption purposes. Patients suffering from them may qualify for exemption otherwise than as chronic sick or because they are also suffering from one of the specific conditions listed in my earlier reply.—[Vol. 761, c. 143–5.]

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we want to be kind to him but find it very difficult when he gives replies like that? Is he not aware that the condition of chronic schizophrenia occurs considerably more frequently in the community and that if such people are to be kept fit to remain in the community they must take their drugs? Will he accept that the imposition of a charge for this treatment is an added disincentive to them to take the treatment they need in order to remain viable human beings?

I explained in my earlier Answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Ladywood that we had found it necessary to define objectively categories in which are to be found patients certain to need continuous medication for long periods, and which admit of no discretion as to identification of individuals. This was the result of the attitude of the medical profession, which I fully understand, for otherwise doctors would have been put in an impossible position vis-á-vis their patients in exercising discretion as to which individual was or was not chronically sick.

Does not the Minister agree that cancer really is a chronic disease, the most serious of all chronic diseases, and that many people go home for quite long periods between operations, during which time they must have strong analgesics and other drugs? Therefore, they should be included in the list of exemptions?

Different considerations arise with cancer patients. Of course, this matter was discussed with the medical profession. I had to provide the best answer I could within the limitations understandably laid down by the doctors, without whose co-operation no definition of chronically sick is possible.

As the success rate in these mental cases is likely to be affected by the uncertainty in the provision of drugs, will my right hon. Friend reconsider his decision so that some assistance may be given on this the most grave of the implications associated with the prescription charges?

I do not believe that the imposition of this charge will have any serious disincentive effect on schizophrenic patients taking their medication.

Will my right hon. Friend withdraw the claim that he is giving exemption to the chronic sick, since it is quite obvious that in the four cases we have discussed he has not? Will he bear in mind that although he has adhered to what the doctors want, he has landed a good deal of trouble on the pharmacists?

I do not think that the latter part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question arises from the Question on the Order Paper. Perhaps I should remind the House of what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 16th January. He said that I would enter into discussions with the medical profession with a view to introducing as soon as possible a system of exemptions. This is what I have done. I have produced the best system the circumstances permit.

What arrangements is the Minister making for the exemption of the chronically sick from the payment of a prescription charge where in the opinion of a doctor it is undesirable, as it is in many of these cases, that the patient should know that he is suffering from chronic illness?

The certificate the doctor signs goes direct from his surgery to the executive council. The patient will have to make an application, but he will not know what the doctor signs.

Does not my right hon. Friend feel that it would be better not to introduce prescription charges at all? Instead, he is drawing up a list of exemptions which could become exhaustive.

No, Sir. The general arguments for the introduction of prescription charges have been discussed in the House and will no doubt be discussed again when the regulations are introduced.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that in many cases of chronic illness such as schizophrenia or cancer it is against the patient's interests that he should know that he has a chronic illness? For this reason no system of exemptions will operate fairly with chronic illnesses of this kind.

That merely illustrates one of the difficulties, but I thought that it was the wish of the House that we should go as far as possible in relieving those who are chronically sick from the effects of the introduction of charges. As I also explained in my earlier reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Ladywood, I recognised that this necessarily limited categorisation would leave others who require numerous prescriptions, and expressed the hope that in due course I should be able to help them by enabling them to obtain an exemption card on the payment of a fee representing the cost of perhaps two prescriptions a month.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health how many people he now estimates will be eligible for exemption from prescription charges.

Some 20 million in England and Wales.

Could the Minister give us the benefit of the estimate, which he must have made, as to the cost of the exemption machinery?

I do not think that that arises out of this Question.

How much will the Exchequer save now under the latest estimates, allowing for these exemptions, by the imposition of prescription charges generally?

I have no reason to believe that the saving in a full year will be substantially different from the original estimates.

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that with the vast complications arising from the declaration of the intention to introduce prescription charges, allied to the intention to exclude the chronic sick, the best thing would be to abolish the first intention?

I would not accept my hon. Friend's premises.

Does the Minister of Health still agree with the Minister of Health, who in July, 1967, said that the reintroduction of prescription charges would damage the Health Service irreparably?

The Minister of Health on that occasion was referring to a wholly different system of prescription charges in which no attempt whatever had been made to exempt, not only the chronic sick, but also the other hardship classes who are being quite clearly and categorically exempted now.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the number that ought to be eligible for exemption has been drastically pruned because of his inability to reach agreement with the doctors regarding the chronic sick?

No, Sir. When we began discussing the question of chronic sick with the doctors no estimate could be made about the numbers involved, so I cannot accept my hon. Friend's statement that there has been any drastic reduction. If he has followed the answers that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Social Security has given he will see that a very considerable number which was previously in the refund category has been added to the exemption category by the arrangements which she will be able to make.

asked the Minister of Health when prescription charges will be introduced.

asked the Minister of Health when he now proposes that prescription charges will be introduced.

On 10th June.

The right hon. Gentleman is referring to what he calls the interim arrangements. When does he intend to introduce permanent arrangements for prescription charges?

Not yet, but as soon as possible.

While I deplore the imposition of these charges, will my right hon. Friend give some consideration to taking other measures to reduce the general public's psychological dependence on pills and medicines which are so often prescribed unnecessarily, and thereby have finance available to improve the hospital service, which greatly needs improving?

I naturally do everything open to a Minister of Health to reduce over-prescribing, but perhaps to the extent that my hon. Friend's charges are substantiated the remedy lies in the hands of his own profession.

asked the Minister of Health if he will now review the provisions for the treatment of drug addicts in order to provide round-the-clock clinic facilities.

Facilities for the treatment of heroin addiction are being kept under review. For the reasons given in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wandsworth, Central (Dr. David Kerr) on 26th March, 24-hour outpatient clinics are not considered necessary or desirable.—[Vol. 761, c. 246.]

Does my right hon Friend accept that many doctors working in the field of addiction are convinced that patients cannot be treated successfully simply on an out-patient basis? Will he further consider the action he has taken with regard to the Chelsea addiction centre, which is a centre of this kind, where the doctors are now prevented from prescribing heroin to their patients? Is he aware that they treated more than 120 patients last year and that about one-third of the patients were currently receiving heroin? Will he please look at this whole aspect again?

On the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I am aware that there is always more than one view on almost every subject in any profession, not least the medical profession, but the consensus of opinion is in the sense of my reply. I can assure my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I gave the most careful consideration to the decision whether or not to license the doctors at the Chelsea addiction clinic. One of them has now accepted an appointment in the hospital service and is treating patients as a licensed hospital doctor under consultant supervision.

Will the Minister comment on the disturbing reports now coming in about a growing black market in drugs following the introduction of the new arrangements?

This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, but I understand that the reports are regarded as exaggerated.

Is the Minister aware that as far as the main Question is concerned some of us at least have come round to his point of view? If there is to be a choice between requiring clinics to conform to the addicts or requiring addicts to conform to the clinics there is a great deal to be said for the second alternative.

I am grateful to the right hon Gentleman. That is certainly the advice that has been tendered to me.

Can my right hon. Friend give some idea of how many addicts are coming forward to the clinics at present?

We were to have had an opportunity of debating this matter last night, but we were frustrated. Off the cuff, I think that the answer is that about 700 addicts are on the books of hospitals serving the London area at present.

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied with the action taken by local authorities to implement the provisions of the Family Planning Act; and if he will make a statement.

I have still not received sufficient reports from local authorities to enable me to say.

In that case, would my right hon. Friend adopt a rather more energetic attitude towards the local authorities that appear to be dragging their feet on this matter? Does he not agree that this could make a very valuable contribution to the problem that many of us face in the Midlands? Will he see that the local authorities really carry out the responsibilities that Parliament has placed upon them?

My hon. Friend and the House know my attitude towards this matter. Whether or not she considers my action energetic enough, I can tell her that I have already reminded authorities and approximately 60 per cent. have so far responded.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that those authorities dragging their feet are adopting a very shortsighted attitude, not least financially? Would he consider circulating to such authorities a cost-benefit analysis, which would show the advantages of a comprehensive family planning service?

I am sure that this consideration will not be out of the minds of local authorities generally. I would not wish to be drawn to comment on this until I have had the chance to study the general picture, which will be available when the remaining authorities have reported to me.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to improve medical services in the Medway Towns in view of the present acute shortage of doctors in the area and the estimate in the survey carried out by the local medical committee, a copy of which has been sent to him, that 25 per cent. of the present medical practitioners in Kent have intimated their intention of leaving the service during the next five years.

The results of the survey were not sent to my right hon. Friend. I understand, however, that of the doctors who replied, 8·3 per cent. said that they contemplated retirement within the next five years and a further 14·6 per cent. that they might possibly do so. These figures are what might reasonably be expected from the age distribution of those who replied. Initial practice allowances are available to doctors starting to practise in under-doctored areas, such as the Medway Towns, and my right hon. Friend has recently arranged for these and other allowances available in areas of greatest shortage to be publicised.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the whole of the Medway Town have been designated and, as a result of a shortage of doctors, it is proving impossible to give them an adequate medical service? Is he further aware that many doctors are now called upon to serve 3,500 patients, which is absolutely disgraceful? What will he do about it?

May I say first that I welcome the setting up by the executive council, the local medical committee and the Medway and Gravesend division of the B.M.A. of a standing committee to consider problems of the area as they arise. We are conscious of the fact that there is difficulty in certain parts of the area to which the hon. Gentleman has referred. At the same time we think it is a little early to judge the results of the publicity of the financial aids to which I have referred.

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to remove the present restriction whereby the inducement of the extra payment of £400 is withheld from doctors entering a designated area for three years from the date on which an area is so categorised.

A review of the criteria for eligibility for the £400 allowance is in progress, but I cannot yet say what its outcome will be. There is a separate allowance which is payable immediately on entry to a designated area.

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for telling me that this matter is under consideration. Does he agree that if an area is designated, thus indicating an acute shortage of doctors, it is rather stupid that the incentive should be delayed for three years before being introduced, when the acute shortage is already present?

It does not necessarily denote an acute and lasting shortage of doctors. The arrangements were introduced in 1966, in agreement with the profession. It was not thought that designation by itself should qualify an area for the allowance, because the intention was that it should be paid in areas chronically short of doctors. Very often areas cease to be designated after a short period.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take early action to seek to codify and simplify the law relating to notifiable diseases.

We see no need for such action at present in respect of the relevant Acts of Parliament, but my right hon. Friend proposes to revise and consolidate the numerous relevant statutory instruments as soon as possible after the passage of the Health Services and Public Health Bill.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the strictures on hospital management contained in Reports Nos. 29 and 60 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes, he will introduce legislation to replace regional hospital boards and hospital management committees by a one-tier professional system of management.

asked the Minister of Health if the green paper he proposes to issue on the National Health Service will include the results of his consideration of the Report of the Royal Commission on Medical Education; and to what extent it will relate to the implementation of the recommendations contained therein.

I would ask both my hon. Friends to await the Green Paper on the administrative structure of the medical and related services. In my review of the present structure I am taking account of the relevant recommendations of the reports to which they refer.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that, despite the dedicated service of the many people on regional hospital boards and similar organisations, their general image is one of weakness, gentility and amateur do-goodism and that the best way of dealing with it is to give these organisations proper professional management for the great benefit of the public and the employees in these organisations?

I would not accept my hon. Friend's assertions. The fact that I am making this review of the administrative structure is not a reflection on those charged with the duty of carrying out the various arms of the Health Service. It is merely to see whether we can get a better framework within which which this dedicated work can be done.

When may we expect the Green Paper?

I cannot say precisely, but I hope that it will be fairly soon.

If there are to be alterations in the administration of the hospital service, would not my right hon. Friend agree that they should be part of a much wider, all-embracing review of the administration of the Health Service as a whole, taking into account public health and general practitioner services?

Yes, Sir. I think that I made it clear in my original announcement about the intention to publish a Green Paper that it would deal with the National Health Service as a whole—medical and related services—and go far beyond the administration of the hospital service.

Can the Minister give an undertaking that there will be no change made in the structure of our world-famous teaching hospitals without the fullest possible consultation?

I have already said that the Green Paper is being published only for the purposes of consultation. Therefore, the answer to that question is that there will be consultation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he accepts the recommendation of Report No. 60 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes that the use of nursing agencies should be discontinued in National Health Service hospitals.

I am considering this recommendation.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the present system of nursing agencies is wasteful, inefficient and expensive? Would he not, therefore, agree that the supply of nursing services in London as recommended by the Board is the solution to the problem?

I am considering this proposal, because there are aspects of this which need very careful consideration. On 31st July, 1967, there were 1,300 agency nurses employed in the National Health Service, which was nearly 200 fewer than in 1965. Nearly 1,000 of them were in hospitals in the area of the London boroughs, and some hospitals, in particular the post-graduate teaching hospitals, rely on them heavily. But, of course, I should like to see the numbers reduced. As I say, I am considering this specific recommendation.

asked the Minister of Health what representations he has received from organisations asking for exemption from Purchase Tax or drugs dispensed on doctor's prescription; and what reply he has sent.

None that I can trace.

Is my hon. Friend aware that that is a very strange Answer, especially when we bear in mind that Scottish pharmacists are at present in dispute about the machinations or working out the prescription charges?

The Question which we were asked was what representations we had received, and my reply was, none that I can trace. But if it is of any comfort to my hon. Friend, he should know that, broadly speaking, all ethical drugs are exempt from Purchase Tax other than those which the Standing Joint Committee on the Classification of Proprietary Medicines regards as being of doubtful therapeutic value.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the evidence, details of which have been sent to him, given to a Senate Sub-Committee in Washington of the danger to health, and of deaths being caused by slimming pills; and what evidence he has of similar problems being met in this country.

Yes, Sir. The main hazard in this country is possible misuse of or habituation to preparations containing amphetamines and related compounds. My Department has recently drawn doctors' attention specifically to the potential dangers presented by the amphetamines.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the United States, where these deaths have been reported, clinics exist for slimming, in which doctors specialise, and that there is very little to prevent doctors from doing much the same here and dishing out these most dangerous drugs on prescriptions to anyone who cares to call?

At present, we have no up-to-date, reliable breakdown of the use to which amphetamines prescribed have been used. The Standing Advisory Committee on Drug Dependence intends to consider the problems associated with the use of amphetamines.

Would my hon. Friend say whether over the last few years there has been an increase or decrease in the amount of amphetamines prescribed in this country?

No; I have not that information.

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind that being substantially over-weight is also a dangerous disease and that this is a much more serious consideration than the infrequent dangers of amphetamine drugs?

So my hon. Friend told me three years ago.

asked the Minister of Health if he has considered the need of Mr. D. A. Goldie of Birmingham for a power splint similar to those being supplied to the British Polio Fellowship to remedy the condition caused by a broken shoulder and paralysed arm; and how long this man will have to wait before he is able to obtain such an aid through the National Health Service.

A powered splint is now ready for clinical trials. Mr. Goldie has kindly agreed to take part in the trials and if it is shown that he will benefit from the device he will be provided with one.

Does not my hon. Friend realise that I submitted this case to him nine months ago and that this man suffered very considerable pain? Does he not think it reasonable to expect that this man should be given this splint without further delay in order to relieve the pain?

I do not think my hon. Friend understood my Answer. This unit is being developed. It is not yet ready for general use. That is why we are very pleased that Mr. Goldie has agreed to take part in the trials.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will undertake studies to establish the criteria for assessing the optimum population for the United Kingdom.

I have no present plans for undertaking such studies.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that today Britain faces very serious land use problems arising from mounting population pressure? In these circumstances, has not the time come for a long-term policy on population to be defined and to recognise the reality and dangers of the long-term predicament in which we may find ourselves?

I agree with my hon. Friend that this is an important matter. He will appreciate that it cuts across many Departmental boundaries. I am replying to his Question because I am responsible to Parliament for the Registrar General's activities. But there are many studies on population questions which need to be undertaken. It is, however, a little difficult to see how the optimum size of the population could be determined by objective criteria.

Would it not at least be very useful if the Minister undertook long-term studies into the rate of the population change, as indicated by the Registrar General's report only yesterday which showed a decline in the birth rate, so that proper provision can be made for housing, schools, education and so on?

These continuing studies are done by the Registrar General's Department. We shall have more and more information about this as the census becomes more and more sophisticated.

asked the Minister of Health what is his latest estimate of the risks to health arising from the use of the contraceptive pill; and what plans he has to aid research designed to minimise such hazards.

asked the Minister of Health what is his latest estimate of the risk to health arising from the use of the contraceptive pill; and what is his policy with regard to this.

It is not possible in the present state of knowledge to estimate accurately all risks to health from the use of oral contraceptives, but those risks about which some information is available, including thrombo-embolism, appear to be much less than the total risks associated with pregnancy. A number of research projects of various kinds are already in progress with Government financial support, and will, it is hoped, provide more information on possible hazards involved.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that full and broadly reassuring reply. Does he agree that there is a need to investigate the side effects which appear to be experienced by different women, since they might be found only in certain types of individuals who are vulnerable to the particularly serious consequences of the pill?

I agree that we need to know a good deal more about this matter. My hon. Friend may like to know that some of the studies in progress are directed to this end.

Can the Minister say what steps are being taken to co-ordinate the various research projects taking place, which seem to be fairly large in number?

I think that one should regard the Committee on the Safety of Drugs and the Medical Research Council as the co-ordinating bodies. The Committee on the Safety of Drugs is handling the continuous monitoring. The Medical Research Council is carrying out a longterm project, in association with the Family Planning Association, and it is also supporting a project being carried out by the Royal College of General Medical Practitioners.

Is the Minister entirely satisfied that the number of Government-sponsored pieces of research which are taking place are adequate to investigate a comparatively new drug which is taken by nearly a million women whose numbers are increasing every day?

I think that the scale of research into this matter is adequate. I am speaking, of course, for this country. There is a great deal of research going on in other countries. Certainly the Medical Research Council and the Dunlop Committee are giving close and continuous attention to the problem.

Would the best answer be to develop a contraceptive pill which could be taken by men?

This might be a solution, but conceivably this, too, might have undesirable side effects.

asked the Minister of Health what further action he is taking to encourage unrestricted visiting by mothers to their very young children in hospital.

Reports received in 1966 showed that 85 per cent. of hospitals admitting children allowed either unrestricted visiting or visiting during eight or more hours a day. My Department has continued to urge the remainder to review their arrangements.

I appreciate that Answer that the majority of hospitals allow unrestricted visiting for mothers of young children. Could my hon. Friend put additional pressure on the hospitals refusing to do so? Does he agree that all the medical and psychological evidence supports the theory that there should be unrestricted visiting by parents?

I think that my hon. Friend slightly exaggerates when he says "all medical opinion". I think that he will accept that there are certain cases and certain conditions where there are risks which should not be accentuated by visiting. But they are exceptional, and I accept my hon. Friend's general proposition that we should encourage progress as far as possible towards unrestricted visiting all round.

asked the Minister of Health how many patients are on waiting lists for in-patient treatment in hospitals; and how this figure compares with the figures in the previous three years.

I will, with permission, circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the Minister give us a little more information as to whether things are improving? Could he tell us whether the figures are the result of a shortage of hospital accommodation, nurses or doctors, or all three?

The tendency, as shown by the figures which will appear in the OFFICIAL REPORT, is for a slight worsening of the situation, but it is only slight. The answer to the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is that there is an uncovering of latent demand, resulting from new services being provided, such as cytology screening and other matters. There are signs, but only signs, of a slight tendency towards improvement.

Does my hon. Friend think that the introduction of a "clocking-in" and "clocking-off" system for nurses at Northgate Hospital, Great Yarmouth, is likely to help the turndown in patients? Has this been done on his instructions?

I would like to have a look at that one.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the need to establish more geriatric beds in South Westmorland, particularly in view of the number of people who have to be accommodated outside the area; and what consideration he has given to using the Ethel Hedley Hospital at Windermere for this purpose.

The majority of geriatric patients from South Westmorland are treated at Kendal Green Hospital and others at Lancaster Moor Hospital, both within the area served by the North Lancashire and South Westmorland Hospital Management Committee. The future of the Ethel Hedley Hospital is under consideration by the Manchester Regional Hospital Board whose proposals my right hon. Friend expects to receive soon.

Would the hon. Gentleman recognise that it would be a great shame if the use of the Ethel Hedley Hospital has to change and it should be closed down? First, would he give an undertaking that it will be kept on, and, secondly, does he realise that it would be of the greatest convenience for any of the patients who have to go outside the area to go to that hospital?

I should explain perhaps that accommodation provided by the H.M.C. is for the area as a whole rather than on a limited county basis. Also, a small addition of beds is shortly to be made at Kendal Green Hospital. But I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the assurance for which he asks. This is a matter which first comes within the discretion of the regional hospital board, but it can be counted on to ensure an adequate provision of this type of bed.

asked the Minister of Health under the new hospital building programme, what special provision is being made to accommodate and supervise mental patients transferred for rehabilitation from the special hospitals.

Such patients are normally transferred to National Health Service psychiatric hospitals where their rehabilitation is continued in the same way as for other patients. A special unit at Balderton Hospital for patients transferred from Rampton is being planned.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, although the rehabilitation of these patients in special hospitals is most important, measures should be taken to protect the interests of the staff at general hospitals and of the public, too?

As I said, I think last week, in answer to a similar Question about transfers from Broadmoor, transfers are made only when the opinion of the consultant in charge of the case is that transfer is appropriate. Therefore, patients who have been transferred from the special hospitals should be regarded by all concerned as being on a par with the patients already being treated in National Health Service hospitals.

asked the Minister of Health what consultations he had with outside bodies before he decided to regroup the psychiatric hospitals in the Birmingham Regional Hospitals area.

I have not yet made a decision on the proposals for re-grouping submitted to me by the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board. I understand that the Board consulted widely before making their proposals to me.

Is the Minister aware that the hospital management committees concerned are extremely worried about the way in which this decision has been reached?

The hon. Lady should understand that no decision has been reached. This is a recommendation by the Board which was submitted to me earlier this month. Under the proposals psychiatric hospitals which are now in eight separate groups under their own management committees would be grouped with neighbouring general hospitals under new management committees. I am considering these proposals not only in the light of the views of the Board, but of the hospital management committees and the other interests which have been consulted.

Is the Minister prepared to receive a deputation of hon. Members from both sides of the House—which I have already asked him to do—so that we can put this matter clearly to him, because there is strong feeling about it?

I am always willing to hear the views of hon. Members of this House on matters of this kind.

asked the Minister of Health when he anticipates that work on the new county hospital at Dorchester will now begin.

It is not yet possible to give a date. The project remains in the Wessex Regional Hospital Board's programme among the later developments expected in the period after 1970.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that originally this hospital was to have been started this year and that, in the opinion of doctors, we cannot have efficient medical services in Dorset without it?

Services in existing hospitals will be maintained until my right hon. Friend is satisfied that satisfactory alternative provision can be made. During the last six years £415,000 has been spent on improvements in Dorchester, Weymouth and Bridport hospitals.