Sixth report from the Select Committee on Estimates : together with the minutes of evidence taken before sub-committee D and appendices, session 1956-1957: Running costs of hospitals.

  • Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Select Committee on Estimates
Date:
[1957]
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Sixth report from the Select Committee on Estimates : together with the minutes of evidence taken before sub-committee D and appendices, session 1956-1957: Running costs of hospitals. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    105/448 page 83
    Dr, FP,’ N. Jones.) The salaries and wages of staff engaged on the maintenance of build- ings, plant, etc., in the Manchester Region last year amounted to nearly £800,000. The amount spent on materials and contract work was £1,000,000 ; so actually it would appear that we are spending probably 60 per cent. or more on direct work, as against contract work, as normally, there is a proportion between materials and staff which is something varying between 30 and 40 per cent. and 60 and 70 per cent. 806. Have you any views as to whether that is desirable or not, as to whether you might not achieve economy by going more for contract work? That is a matter which has been concerning our Board. The Chairman might like to speak on this—(Mr. Agnew.) I do not think I can speak on that. There are so many things involved. You mean, from the Board angle, would it be cheaper for us to put all our work out to contract with private architects and consultant engineers? 807. I was thinking more of main- tenance? Of course, we do know there are some H.M.C.s which have a first class maintenance staff governed by a first class chief engineer. In those cases, I think it would be a pity to abolish that staff and bring in private contractors. On the other hand, I think it is quite likely that there are H.M.C.s which have not got a satisfactory main- tenance staff. J think it all boils down to the same thing: it depends on the person in charge.—(Mr. Jones.) The ment Committees the odd direct works job as against a private contractor, and Where that has been found cheaper they have had the work done by direct labour. Equally, it sometimes follows that the staff of the H.M.C. is not large enough or capable enough to do the project they have in mind, and they must go out to contract. I think the answer is according to circumstances. 808. I only have one final question. I do not know if it would be in order to suggest that it should not be answered now. No doubt you have read the recommendations and conclusions in the Guillebaud Report on the Hospital Service, and I would be interested to know whether you have any comment on the general tenor of them? (Mr. Agnew.) Do you want me to answer that now? Chairman. 809. I do not think it is quite fair to expect you to answer that now? It is a very big problem. Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett. 810. I was suggesting something in writing? Yes, certainly.* Chairman. 811. You have interested us very much, and I fear that we may be asking you to come again? That is quite all! right, Sir. Chairman.] Thank you. * Not reported.
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