asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the amount of money at present to the credit of Hospitals Trust Fund where this money is invested; what portion of it is likely to be used to combat tuberculosis; and if he will consider using a further part to supply comforts to patients in the hospitals all over the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospitals Trust Fund.
The amount in the Hospitals Trust Fund at the 30th September last was approximately £8,000,000. As regards the investment of the fund it has been pointed out on previous occasions in replies to Parliamentary questions that Ministers cannot be expected to furnish information with regard to matters for which a statutory board has full discretion and responsibility subject, of course, to any specific restrictions imposed by law. As regards the latter part of the question it is assumed that the Deputy has in mind the application of portion of the fund to the establishment of sanatoria in accordance with the provisions of the Bill which is under consideration in the House. I am unable to specify the amount likely to be expended for the purpose but it is hoped to confine the expenditure within a limit of £2,000,000. No portion of the Hospitals Trust Fund could be legally applied in supplying comforts to patients in the hospitals throughout the country. That is primarily a matter for the governing bodies of the hospitals concerned.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say why is he afraid to tell the House where this money is invested?
I have explained that in the reply.
Not very satisfactorily.