1 00:00:47,245 --> 00:00:49,840 - What is it today, sir? - The Ministry. 2 00:00:50,005 --> 00:00:53,441 All morning on Health Service administration. 3 00:00:53,605 --> 00:00:55,960 A chap just now on the radio 4 00:00:56,125 --> 00:01:00,243 said the trouble with health, education and transport 5 00:01:00,405 --> 00:01:03,602 is that people in Government go to private hospitals 6 00:01:03,765 --> 00:01:06,723 and send their kids to private schools. 7 00:01:07,045 --> 00:01:09,605 Comedy programme, was it? 8 00:01:09,765 --> 00:01:12,757 And go to work in chauffeur-driven cars. 9 00:01:14,445 --> 00:01:17,118 Think there's something in it, sir? 10 00:01:17,285 --> 00:01:20,516 If you and Sir Humphrey went to work on a number 27... 11 00:01:20,685 --> 00:01:22,004 Quite impracticable! 12 00:01:22,165 --> 00:01:26,681 We work long enough hours as it is, without having to wait at bus stops. 13 00:01:26,845 --> 00:01:30,520 - You'd need more efficient buses. - Certainly would. 14 00:01:30,685 --> 00:01:33,722 Yes, that's what he was saying. 15 00:01:34,685 --> 00:01:38,724 Same with the Health Service. You a member of BUPA, sir? 16 00:01:38,885 --> 00:01:42,321 - Anything on the radio, Roy? - "Yesterday in Parliament". 17 00:01:42,485 --> 00:01:44,043 Don't bother... 18 00:01:44,205 --> 00:01:47,595 Mr Lanford, opposition member for Birmingham, 19 00:01:47,765 --> 00:01:50,882 asked the Administrative Affairs Minister, James Hacker, 20 00:01:51,045 --> 00:01:54,560 about reducing administrators in the Health Service. 21 00:01:55,205 --> 00:01:59,721 We have already achieved a reduction of 11.3 % 22 00:01:59,885 --> 00:02:02,115 in administrative staff 23 00:02:02,285 --> 00:02:05,561 and are actively pursuing further economies. 24 00:02:05,725 --> 00:02:09,604 Would you explain how his assurance to the House 25 00:02:09,765 --> 00:02:14,680 squares with this minute from his own department? 26 00:02:14,845 --> 00:02:18,474 Then Mr Lanford dramatically produced a paper. 27 00:02:18,645 --> 00:02:22,194 I quote, "If admin staff were reclassified 28 00:02:22,365 --> 00:02:24,674 from administrative to technical... 29 00:02:26,365 --> 00:02:30,995 and the comparison changed from the financial to calendar year, 30 00:02:31,165 --> 00:02:36,444 then the figures will show a fall of 11.3 %". 31 00:02:36,605 --> 00:02:40,200 Would the Minister care to comment on this shabby deception? 32 00:02:41,405 --> 00:02:44,044 Bit of a googly, sir. 33 00:02:45,005 --> 00:02:48,361 I... I... 34 00:02:48,525 --> 00:02:52,837 I have no knowledge of the document you're brandishing. 35 00:02:54,125 --> 00:02:57,561 I shall give the file reference to the Minister 36 00:02:57,725 --> 00:03:03,083 in exchange for an assurance of a full independent enquiry. 37 00:03:05,605 --> 00:03:07,721 I will give that assurance. 38 00:03:07,885 --> 00:03:11,844 The House read the Scottish Fisheries'Bill... 39 00:03:12,005 --> 00:03:15,441 That's a bit rough, innit? "A full independent enquiry"! 40 00:03:16,725 --> 00:03:20,843 - You were dropped in it there. - I think I got away with it. 41 00:03:21,005 --> 00:03:25,237 Lucky they didn't ask you about that new hospital, sir. 42 00:03:25,405 --> 00:03:30,320 They finished it 15 months ago, and it's still got no patients. 43 00:03:30,485 --> 00:03:33,397 The DHSS can't afford to staff it. 44 00:03:33,565 --> 00:03:37,194 It's got staff, 500 administrators. 45 00:03:37,365 --> 00:03:39,560 - Just no patients. - Who told you? 46 00:03:39,725 --> 00:03:43,115 My mate Charlie, a driver for the Health Secretary. 47 00:03:46,965 --> 00:03:48,876 - I'm appalled! - So am I. 48 00:03:49,045 --> 00:03:50,922 The incompetence of it! 49 00:03:51,085 --> 00:03:53,599 I can't think what came over you. 50 00:03:53,765 --> 00:03:55,278 I beg your pardon! 51 00:03:55,445 --> 00:04:00,121 - A full independent enquiry. - Humphrey, that's not what I meant. 52 00:04:00,285 --> 00:04:03,402 - But you mentioned incompetence. - Yours, Humphrey, yours! 53 00:04:03,925 --> 00:04:06,803 - Mine? - You dropped me into it? 54 00:04:06,965 --> 00:04:11,800 We can't foresee a small omission from the brief, but a full enquiry? 55 00:04:11,965 --> 00:04:15,924 I don'twant an enquiry, but if you're drowning and thrown a rope... 56 00:04:16,085 --> 00:04:18,838 That wasn't a rope, it was a noose! 57 00:04:19,005 --> 00:04:21,200 You should've stood up for the department! 58 00:04:21,365 --> 00:04:24,357 I prepared thoroughly for yesterday's Question Time, 59 00:04:24,525 --> 00:04:28,404 but nowhere was the suggestion you'd juggled the figures 60 00:04:28,565 --> 00:04:30,476 so I'd mislead the House. 61 00:04:30,645 --> 00:04:35,560 You wanted the figures reduced? So we reduced the figures! 62 00:04:35,725 --> 00:04:40,196 - Yes, but not the administrators. - Of course not. 63 00:04:40,365 --> 00:04:45,234 - That's not what I meant. - Minister, one isn't a mind-reader! 64 00:04:45,405 --> 00:04:48,761 - You said reduce them, so we did. - And another thing: 65 00:04:48,925 --> 00:04:51,393 How did this get out? Another leak? 66 00:04:52,525 --> 00:04:55,562 This isn't a department, it's a colander! 67 00:04:55,725 --> 00:05:00,082 How can we govern responsibly, if back benchers get all the facts? 68 00:05:00,245 --> 00:05:05,080 - The enquiry gives us some time. - So does a time-bomb. 69 00:05:05,245 --> 00:05:07,884 - Is there a disposal squad? - Disposal squad? 70 00:05:08,045 --> 00:05:11,879 Couldn't we get the independent enquiry to exonerate us? 71 00:05:13,245 --> 00:05:17,238 - Do you mean rig it? - No, no, no, no! 72 00:05:17,405 --> 00:05:18,997 Well... yes. 73 00:05:19,685 --> 00:05:21,004 Minister! 74 00:05:21,885 --> 00:05:24,319 It depends on who the chairman is. 75 00:05:24,485 --> 00:05:27,795 - He absolutely has to be sound. - Sound? 76 00:05:27,965 --> 00:05:33,358 He will knowwhat is required. He will perceive the implications. 77 00:05:33,525 --> 00:05:37,234 He will have a sympathetic insight into the problems. 78 00:05:37,405 --> 00:05:40,283 In short, he will be "sound". 79 00:05:40,445 --> 00:05:42,197 You mean... bent? 80 00:05:42,365 --> 00:05:44,356 No, of course not! 81 00:05:44,525 --> 00:05:47,676 He will be a man of broad understanding. 82 00:05:47,845 --> 00:05:50,518 How about... a retired politician? 83 00:05:50,685 --> 00:05:53,358 And unimpeachable integrity. 84 00:05:53,525 --> 00:05:55,720 Yes, I see what you mean. 85 00:05:55,885 --> 00:05:58,001 - A businessman? - Oh, really! 86 00:05:58,165 --> 00:06:01,123 - An academic? - No, no, no. 87 00:06:01,285 --> 00:06:06,359 - Who've you got in mind? - Perhaps a retired civil servant. 88 00:06:06,525 --> 00:06:10,404 - Good thinking, Humphrey. - Sir Maurice Williams. 89 00:06:10,565 --> 00:06:12,715 Might not he be too independent? 90 00:06:12,885 --> 00:06:16,798 - Well, he's hoping for a peerage. - Not through this? 91 00:06:16,965 --> 00:06:20,799 No, but the right finding will earn him Brownie points! 92 00:06:20,965 --> 00:06:24,719 - Brownie points? - They all add up towards the badge! 93 00:06:26,205 --> 00:06:29,322 - Well, Sir Maurice it is. - Thank you, Minister. 94 00:06:29,485 --> 00:06:31,919 Thank you... Brown Owl. 95 00:06:35,765 --> 00:06:37,915 Good morning, Bernard. 96 00:06:38,685 --> 00:06:42,155 - Two points, the Cuban refugees. - Not that again? 97 00:06:42,325 --> 00:06:45,681 It's about our refusal to do any more for them. 98 00:06:45,845 --> 00:06:49,633 It's not my fault, it's the Treasury. You can't beat the Treasury! 99 00:06:49,805 --> 00:06:51,602 I shall say nothing. 100 00:06:51,765 --> 00:06:57,283 One more public humiliation and I'll become a political refugee myself. 101 00:06:57,445 --> 00:07:01,836 - And the other point? - The alleged empty hospital. 102 00:07:02,005 --> 00:07:05,964 As I warned you, the driver's network is not wholly reliable. 103 00:07:06,125 --> 00:07:09,037 - Roy's wrong. - Thank heavens forthat! 104 00:07:09,205 --> 00:07:12,993 - How did you find out? - The private secretaries' network. 105 00:07:13,165 --> 00:07:14,484 And? 106 00:07:14,645 --> 00:07:19,355 In fact, there are only 342 administrative staff at the hospital. 107 00:07:19,525 --> 00:07:23,916 The other 170 are porters, cleaners, laundry workers, cooks, etc. 108 00:07:24,085 --> 00:07:25,643 And medical staff? 109 00:07:25,805 --> 00:07:27,875 Oh, none of them. 110 00:07:28,645 --> 00:07:31,079 - None? - No! 111 00:07:31,245 --> 00:07:34,043 We are talking about St Edward's Hospital? 112 00:07:34,205 --> 00:07:36,958 Yes. It's brand-new and fully-staffed. 113 00:07:37,125 --> 00:07:39,844 Unfortunately, there were cutbacks, 114 00:07:40,005 --> 00:07:42,963 so there was no money for medical services. 115 00:07:43,125 --> 00:07:46,834 A hospital with over 500 non-medical staff and no patients? 116 00:07:47,005 --> 00:07:49,041 - There's one patient. - One? 117 00:07:49,205 --> 00:07:53,403 The deputy administratorfell over scaffolding and broke his leg. 118 00:07:53,565 --> 00:07:55,123 Good God! 119 00:07:55,285 --> 00:07:59,403 Thank heavens I wasn't asked about this! Why hasn't it got out? 120 00:07:59,565 --> 00:08:02,762 It's been contrived to look like a building site, 121 00:08:02,925 --> 00:08:06,076 and so far no one's realised it's operational! 122 00:08:06,245 --> 00:08:09,521 You know, scaffolding, skips, the normal thing? 123 00:08:10,045 --> 00:08:13,674 Normal? I'd better look at it before the opposition does. 124 00:08:13,845 --> 00:08:17,121 Yes, it's surprising the press haven't found out. 125 00:08:17,285 --> 00:08:20,118 Fortunately, most journalists are so incompetent, 126 00:08:20,285 --> 00:08:22,879 they wouldn't know today is Wednesday. 127 00:08:23,045 --> 00:08:26,003 It's actually Thursday, Minister. 128 00:08:30,405 --> 00:08:32,680 Let's sit down there. 129 00:08:32,845 --> 00:08:35,678 Why is your Minister interested in this hospital? 130 00:08:35,845 --> 00:08:39,474 He's greatly concerned that it has no patients. 131 00:08:39,645 --> 00:08:42,398 - It takes all sorts. - Yes. 132 00:08:42,565 --> 00:08:44,681 - Evening. - Good evening. 133 00:08:45,765 --> 00:08:50,634 How can there be patients when it has no nursing staff? 134 00:08:52,885 --> 00:08:55,274 - Thank you. - Splendid. 135 00:08:55,445 --> 00:08:57,720 - Sir Humphrey? - Thank you. 136 00:08:58,845 --> 00:09:04,203 We've found at the DHSS that it takes time to get things going. 137 00:09:05,405 --> 00:09:10,081 First of all, you have to sort out the smooth running of the hospital. 138 00:09:10,245 --> 00:09:14,033 Having patients around would be no help at all. 139 00:09:14,605 --> 00:09:17,039 They'd just be in the way. 140 00:09:17,205 --> 00:09:22,643 - Tell him this is the run-in period. - Yes, yes, the run-in period. 141 00:09:23,365 --> 00:09:26,562 How long is the run-in period going to last? 142 00:09:26,725 --> 00:09:29,603 My Minister's agreed to an independent enquiry. 143 00:09:29,765 --> 00:09:33,963 - You knowwhat I think about that. - Yes, I know, but... 144 00:09:34,645 --> 00:09:39,719 We are going to get some patients in to St Edward's... 145 00:09:40,605 --> 00:09:42,197 eventually? 146 00:09:43,045 --> 00:09:44,797 Aren't we? 147 00:09:44,965 --> 00:09:46,956 It's possible. 148 00:09:48,725 --> 00:09:51,523 Certainly our present intention. 149 00:09:52,605 --> 00:09:54,596 In a year or two. 150 00:09:55,525 --> 00:09:59,677 Probably... when the financial situation has eased up a bit. 151 00:09:59,845 --> 00:10:01,278 Not till then? 152 00:10:01,445 --> 00:10:05,723 How can I open 40 newwards when I'm closing everywhere else? 153 00:10:05,885 --> 00:10:10,879 - Treasury wouldn't wear it. - My Minister may want to shut the place. 154 00:10:11,045 --> 00:10:13,240 Impossible! What about the unions? 155 00:10:14,005 --> 00:10:18,203 - Are the unions active there yet? - Good point. 156 00:10:20,525 --> 00:10:24,757 Remember that fire brand agitator at Southwark Hospital? 157 00:10:26,365 --> 00:10:29,323 Billy Fraser, odious man. Could be useful. 158 00:10:29,485 --> 00:10:32,124 Time he was moved on. 159 00:10:35,765 --> 00:10:40,156 The Health Service is an advanced case of galloping bureaucracy! 160 00:10:40,325 --> 00:10:43,237 Oh, certainly not galloping! 161 00:10:45,485 --> 00:10:47,715 A gentle canterat the most. 162 00:10:47,885 --> 00:10:52,003 - Instances flood into this office. - From whom, Minister? 163 00:10:52,165 --> 00:10:55,441 MPs, constituents, doctors, nurses, the public. 164 00:10:55,605 --> 00:10:57,436 Trouble makers! 165 00:10:57,605 --> 00:11:00,403 - The public? - They're the worst. 166 00:11:01,045 --> 00:11:02,398 Listen to this. 167 00:11:02,565 --> 00:11:05,637 "Stethoscope requisition: Due to current situation, 168 00:11:05,805 --> 00:11:09,878 it is not possible to issue the extra stethoscopes applied for. 169 00:11:10,045 --> 00:11:13,481 We can, however, supply longertubes 170 00:11:13,645 --> 00:11:16,239 for your existing stethoscopes". 171 00:11:17,165 --> 00:11:20,714 - Well? - Doesn't that strike you as odd? 172 00:11:20,885 --> 00:11:23,843 - Lf they have long tubes... - No, no. 173 00:11:24,005 --> 00:11:27,475 No, not longer stethoscopes, MORE stethoscopes. 174 00:11:27,645 --> 00:11:30,318 If they had really long tubes, 175 00:11:30,485 --> 00:11:35,400 the doctor could stand in one place and listen to all the chests. 176 00:11:39,165 --> 00:11:41,281 What about nurses' uniforms? 177 00:11:41,445 --> 00:11:44,801 "Apparently the latest consignment of nurses' coats 178 00:11:44,965 --> 00:11:49,117 is made of a see-through material; nurses issued with these 179 00:11:49,285 --> 00:11:53,836 are requested to report to the Directorof Uniform Surveillance, 180 00:11:54,005 --> 00:11:58,556 who will assess the extent of the problem". 181 00:11:58,725 --> 00:12:03,116 - Nice work if you can get it. - Humphrey, I'm serious! 182 00:12:03,885 --> 00:12:09,403 "Please note that the soft toilet rolls are for patients not staff. 183 00:12:09,565 --> 00:12:14,355 It would appear that staff have been using the soft toilet rolls 184 00:12:14,525 --> 00:12:17,198 for one reason or another". 185 00:12:18,765 --> 00:12:22,997 "St Stephen's Mortuary will be closed over Christmas. 186 00:12:23,165 --> 00:12:26,362 During the holiday, medical staff are to cooperate 187 00:12:26,525 --> 00:12:29,517 in keeping pressure off this department". 188 00:12:31,045 --> 00:12:33,843 A very civil and reasonable request. 189 00:12:34,005 --> 00:12:39,159 You think the rest of the year doctors work hard to keep it busy? 190 00:12:39,725 --> 00:12:42,523 These are a few isolated examples. 191 00:12:42,685 --> 00:12:47,964 The Health Service is as efficient as the Government allows it. 192 00:12:48,125 --> 00:12:51,037 Nonsense! The figures speak for themselves. 193 00:12:51,205 --> 00:12:56,233 In ten years, the number of administrators has risen by 40,000. 194 00:12:56,405 --> 00:12:59,841 The number of hospital beds has fallen by 60,000. 195 00:13:00,005 --> 00:13:06,001 The annual cost of the Health Service has gone up by £1.5 billion! 196 00:13:06,165 --> 00:13:10,158 If only British industry could match this growth record. 197 00:13:10,325 --> 00:13:14,204 You think spending more money on fewer patients 198 00:13:14,365 --> 00:13:16,799 so we can employ more administrators 199 00:13:16,965 --> 00:13:21,038 is a good way of spending the taxpayer's money? 200 00:13:21,205 --> 00:13:22,274 Certainly. 201 00:13:22,445 --> 00:13:26,120 This money is solely to make sick people better. 202 00:13:26,285 --> 00:13:29,163 No, no, no, Minister. 203 00:13:29,325 --> 00:13:31,885 It is to make everybody better. 204 00:13:32,045 --> 00:13:36,402 Better for showing the extent of their care and compassion. 205 00:13:36,565 --> 00:13:41,844 You see, when money is allocated to the Health orSocial Services, 206 00:13:42,005 --> 00:13:45,395 Parliament and the countryfeel... cleansed. 207 00:13:46,405 --> 00:13:50,239 Purified. Absolved. It is a sacrifice. 208 00:13:50,405 --> 00:13:52,043 Dreadful claptrap! 209 00:13:52,765 --> 00:13:58,283 After the sacrifice, nobody questions what happened to the offering. 210 00:13:58,445 --> 00:14:01,198 The public does care if it's misspent. 211 00:14:01,365 --> 00:14:04,880 They care it's not seen to be misspent. 212 00:14:05,045 --> 00:14:09,755 That's not true. Look at the uproar overmental hospital scandals. 213 00:14:09,925 --> 00:14:11,802 My point exactly. 214 00:14:11,965 --> 00:14:15,480 Those abuses had been going on happily for years. 215 00:14:15,645 --> 00:14:19,638 Nobody was concerned what was being done with their money. 216 00:14:19,805 --> 00:14:22,273 What outraged them was being told. 217 00:14:22,445 --> 00:14:24,197 A cynical smokescreen! 218 00:14:24,365 --> 00:14:29,678 Do we not agree there's no point in a hospital run solelyforthe staff? 219 00:14:29,845 --> 00:14:34,839 - That's not how I would express it. - It's how I would. 220 00:14:35,005 --> 00:14:36,199 Indeed. 221 00:14:38,005 --> 00:14:41,475 - How would you express it? - At the end of the day, 222 00:14:41,645 --> 00:14:44,762 one of a hospital's prime functions is patient care. 223 00:14:44,925 --> 00:14:46,244 One? 224 00:14:46,405 --> 00:14:50,318 Until we have the money for nursing and medical staff, 225 00:14:50,485 --> 00:14:54,524 it's a function we can't pursue. In 18 months orso... 226 00:14:54,685 --> 00:14:57,882 - 18 months? - We can open some wards. 227 00:14:58,045 --> 00:15:00,400 No, it's got to be now. 228 00:15:01,565 --> 00:15:05,035 I suppose we could form an inter-departmental committee 229 00:15:05,205 --> 00:15:08,322 to examine the feasibility of monitoring a proposal 230 00:15:08,485 --> 00:15:11,158 for admitting patients earlier. 231 00:15:11,605 --> 00:15:14,642 - How long would that take to report? - Not long. 232 00:15:14,805 --> 00:15:18,241 - How long? - About 18 months. 233 00:15:18,965 --> 00:15:22,560 I suggestwe get rid of all the staff there 234 00:15:22,725 --> 00:15:27,241 and use the money to open closed wards in other hospitals. 235 00:15:27,405 --> 00:15:32,798 When we can afford it, we open St Edward's with medical staff. 236 00:15:32,965 --> 00:15:36,753 Do that and you'll delay the opening for patients for years. 237 00:15:36,925 --> 00:15:40,281 You talk as if the staff have nothing to do! 238 00:15:40,445 --> 00:15:42,800 - What do they do? - Really, Minister! 239 00:15:42,965 --> 00:15:46,037 There's a large number of extremely busy departments. 240 00:15:46,205 --> 00:15:49,880 Firstly, the Contingency Department forfires, strikes, airraids, 241 00:15:50,045 --> 00:15:53,355 nuclearwar, epidemics, food or water poisoning. 242 00:15:53,525 --> 00:15:57,564 In such a crisis, the hospital is a key centre for survival. 243 00:15:57,725 --> 00:16:00,398 Then, the Data and Research Department, 244 00:16:00,565 --> 00:16:05,036 conducting a full-scale demographic survey of the catchment area. 245 00:16:05,205 --> 00:16:08,675 We have to anticipate the future requirements for maternity, 246 00:16:08,845 --> 00:16:12,884 geriatrics, paediatrics and the male/female balance. 247 00:16:13,045 --> 00:16:16,117 Thirdly, there's Finance - projected accounts, 248 00:16:16,285 --> 00:16:19,038 balance sheets and cash-flow budgets. 249 00:16:19,205 --> 00:16:24,325 Then, the Purchasing Department for purchasing medical equipment, 250 00:16:24,485 --> 00:16:28,717 examining estimates, looking at price lists and catalogues... 251 00:16:28,885 --> 00:16:30,762 Purchasing what? 252 00:16:30,925 --> 00:16:32,483 Everything, Minister. 253 00:16:32,645 --> 00:16:36,604 Everything from brain scanners to Brasso! May I continue? 254 00:16:36,765 --> 00:16:38,084 Be briefer. 255 00:16:38,965 --> 00:16:43,083 Would that I could, Minister, but you need to understand. 256 00:16:43,245 --> 00:16:46,123 Fifth, the Technical Department for evaluations. 257 00:16:46,285 --> 00:16:50,642 Sixth, the Building Department dealing with Phase 3 plans, 258 00:16:50,805 --> 00:16:55,799 costing and so forth for the final phase to be completed by 1994. 259 00:16:55,965 --> 00:16:58,798 Then, there's Maintenance, Cleaning and Catering, 260 00:16:58,965 --> 00:17:03,004 Personnel in charge of leave, National Health Insurance, salaries, 261 00:17:03,165 --> 00:17:08,319 as well as staff welfare officers to look after the 500 employees. 262 00:17:08,485 --> 00:17:11,363 - And finally, Administration. - Administrators! 263 00:17:11,525 --> 00:17:13,914 More administrators administrating other administrators! 264 00:17:14,085 --> 00:17:16,645 This is important work, Minister. 265 00:17:16,805 --> 00:17:20,480 The typing pool, stationery, office furniture and equipment. 266 00:17:20,645 --> 00:17:25,560 - Liaison between departments. - Are you being serious ornot? 267 00:17:25,725 --> 00:17:30,003 - What do you mean? - There are NO patients! 268 00:17:30,165 --> 00:17:33,237 That is what a hospital's for. Patients! 269 00:17:33,405 --> 00:17:36,317 Ill people! Healing the sick! 270 00:17:36,485 --> 00:17:42,162 But all these vital tasks must be done with or without patients. 271 00:17:42,845 --> 00:17:44,756 Why? 272 00:17:45,685 --> 00:17:48,563 - Why? - Why? 273 00:17:49,765 --> 00:17:51,960 I don't understand. 274 00:17:52,125 --> 00:17:54,844 How else can I express it? Why? 275 00:17:55,005 --> 00:17:57,678 Would you sack the army because there's no war? 276 00:17:57,845 --> 00:18:01,679 Completely different! A hospital must produce results. 277 00:18:01,845 --> 00:18:07,477 We don't measure our success by results but by activity. 278 00:18:07,645 --> 00:18:12,002 Those 500 people are seriously overworked. 279 00:18:14,605 --> 00:18:18,041 The full establishment should be 650. 280 00:18:18,205 --> 00:18:20,639 May I show you the paperwork? 281 00:18:20,805 --> 00:18:24,036 No, Humphrey. Enough is enough. Sack them! 282 00:18:24,645 --> 00:18:27,557 Out of the question, Minister. 283 00:18:27,725 --> 00:18:31,240 We need administrators or the hospital will never open. 284 00:18:31,405 --> 00:18:34,875 - Sack the ancillary staff. - The unions won'twear it. 285 00:18:35,045 --> 00:18:39,914 Sack half and use the money to get doctors and nurses, 286 00:18:40,085 --> 00:18:42,440 and open some wards! 287 00:18:42,605 --> 00:18:46,439 No, Humphrey, that's my lastword. My lastword! 288 00:18:46,605 --> 00:18:48,675 You may go! 289 00:18:50,165 --> 00:18:54,317 Very well, Minister. I shall have a word with the unions. 290 00:18:55,325 --> 00:18:58,840 - But I don't hold out much hope. - Go! 291 00:19:01,165 --> 00:19:04,521 That seems to be everything. Thank you forcoming. 292 00:19:11,645 --> 00:19:13,715 Thank you very much. 293 00:19:14,805 --> 00:19:16,841 Very good meeting. 294 00:19:17,005 --> 00:19:20,236 - Got time fora drink? - A quick one. 295 00:19:20,405 --> 00:19:22,965 The usual? Make yourself at home. 296 00:19:23,125 --> 00:19:24,524 Thank you. 297 00:19:30,485 --> 00:19:34,000 What are we going to do about St Edward's? 298 00:19:34,165 --> 00:19:36,235 St Edward's Hospital? 299 00:19:36,405 --> 00:19:40,080 Not much of a case. Can't fight you on it. 300 00:19:40,885 --> 00:19:42,955 What do you mean? 301 00:19:43,125 --> 00:19:48,358 We realise you can't keep ancillary staff on in an empty hospital. 302 00:19:48,925 --> 00:19:51,723 Isn't that a bit defeatist? 303 00:19:52,645 --> 00:19:54,681 What? 304 00:19:54,845 --> 00:19:58,440 - Surely, you can stick up forthem? - You want us to...? 305 00:19:58,605 --> 00:20:01,722 It's not just your workers, you know? 306 00:20:01,885 --> 00:20:07,323 The 342 civil servants must have some workers to administer. 307 00:20:07,485 --> 00:20:12,320 - Civil servants are never laid off. - We live in disturbing times. 308 00:20:13,125 --> 00:20:17,960 You mean, if we take industrial action, you'll support us? 309 00:20:18,125 --> 00:20:21,435 My dear Brian, I am the Permanent Secretary. 310 00:20:21,605 --> 00:20:24,563 My task is to turn the wheels of government. 311 00:20:24,725 --> 00:20:28,115 I couldn't possibly countenance any such action. 312 00:20:29,245 --> 00:20:32,601 But... if there were effective opposition 313 00:20:32,765 --> 00:20:35,120 from the ancillary workers, 314 00:20:35,285 --> 00:20:38,004 the civil servants would have to stay. 315 00:20:38,165 --> 00:20:39,723 And the Minister? 316 00:20:39,885 --> 00:20:44,276 The Ministerdoesn't know his ACAS from his NALGO. 317 00:20:49,365 --> 00:20:52,038 I haven't got much of a case. 318 00:20:52,205 --> 00:20:56,357 Hospital empty for 15 months, wards not open for another year. 319 00:20:56,525 --> 00:21:00,723 Pull yourself together. Think of your members' wives and children. 320 00:21:00,885 --> 00:21:03,922 Their... cats... budgies! 321 00:21:04,085 --> 00:21:06,519 They're resigned to it by now. 322 00:21:07,285 --> 00:21:10,800 Is Billy Fraser resigned to it? 323 00:21:11,485 --> 00:21:13,953 Yes... but he's overat Southwark. 324 00:21:14,845 --> 00:21:17,723 Do you want to bet? 325 00:21:18,165 --> 00:21:19,564 You mean...? 326 00:21:20,885 --> 00:21:26,084 Well, that's a different matter, with some real shop-floor militancy. 327 00:21:26,245 --> 00:21:29,521 You see? Unity. Solidarity. 328 00:21:30,285 --> 00:21:33,243 - Thanks for the drink. - Thank you, Brother. 329 00:21:33,405 --> 00:21:37,796 Please give my kind regards to our fraternal comrades. 330 00:21:40,565 --> 00:21:45,161 We shall not, we shall not be moved! 331 00:22:08,445 --> 00:22:12,154 Minister, this is Mrs Rogers, the chief administrator. 332 00:22:12,325 --> 00:22:16,477 - Nice to meet you. - Billy Fraser, committee chairman. 333 00:22:16,645 --> 00:22:20,399 - Hownice to meet you. - I wouldn't be too sure. 334 00:22:27,805 --> 00:22:29,602 This is 'F' ward. 335 00:22:49,645 --> 00:22:52,443 And this is 'J' theatre. 336 00:22:55,085 --> 00:22:59,203 - Howmuch did all this cost? - With radiotherapy... 337 00:22:59,365 --> 00:23:01,640 two and a quartermillion. 338 00:23:01,805 --> 00:23:07,516 - It's appalling it's not used! - No, a very good thing in some ways. 339 00:23:07,685 --> 00:23:11,280 Prolongs its life, cuts down running costs. 340 00:23:11,445 --> 00:23:13,561 But there are no patients! 341 00:23:13,725 --> 00:23:16,398 But essential work has to go on. 342 00:23:16,565 --> 00:23:19,125 Aren't patients essential work? 343 00:23:19,285 --> 00:23:22,960 Running an organisation of 500 people is a big job. 344 00:23:23,125 --> 00:23:26,640 But if they weren't here, they wouldn't be here! 345 00:23:26,805 --> 00:23:28,875 This is wrong. It won't do. 346 00:23:29,045 --> 00:23:32,117 Either get some patients or I'll close it. 347 00:23:32,285 --> 00:23:37,234 - Well, in the course of time... - Not in the course of time. Now! 348 00:23:37,405 --> 00:23:42,798 Get rid of 300 staff, get some doctors and get some patients! 349 00:23:42,965 --> 00:23:47,197 Without those 300 people this hospital wouldn't function! 350 00:23:47,365 --> 00:23:49,401 And it's functioning now? 351 00:23:49,565 --> 00:23:53,763 Minister, it's one of the best-run hospitals in the country. 352 00:23:53,925 --> 00:23:56,723 It's up for a Florence Nightingale Award. 353 00:23:56,885 --> 00:24:01,515 - What, pray, is that? - "The Most Hygienic Hospital". 354 00:24:02,085 --> 00:24:06,078 I've said my last word. 300 staff must go. 355 00:24:06,245 --> 00:24:11,444 - 300 jobs lost? - Surgery with a skeleton staff? 356 00:24:11,605 --> 00:24:16,838 Don't do any surgery. Do varicose veins, piles... Do something! 357 00:24:17,005 --> 00:24:20,475 - You mean 300 jobs lost? - Yes, I do. 358 00:24:20,645 --> 00:24:24,604 A hospital is a place for healing of the sick! 359 00:24:24,765 --> 00:24:28,804 It's employment for my members, and you want to sack them. 360 00:24:28,965 --> 00:24:31,559 Is that your compassionate society? 361 00:24:31,725 --> 00:24:34,717 Compassionate to patients rather than your members! 362 00:24:34,885 --> 00:24:37,479 We'll come out on strike. 363 00:24:38,245 --> 00:24:40,520 Very well, do that. 364 00:24:40,685 --> 00:24:45,361 Who can it harm? Do, please! Strike, the sooner the better! 365 00:24:45,525 --> 00:24:50,724 Take the administrators with you. Then we shan't have to pay you. 366 00:25:00,405 --> 00:25:04,603 - How about a drink before home? - Yes. Thank you, Minister. 367 00:25:05,085 --> 00:25:09,078 - That went well at the hospital. - Yes, Minister. 368 00:25:09,245 --> 00:25:12,601 - I wasn't standing any argument. - No, Minister. 369 00:25:12,765 --> 00:25:17,122 Threatening to strike! Played right into my hands. Cheers! 370 00:25:17,285 --> 00:25:19,594 Aren't we missing the news? 371 00:25:21,365 --> 00:25:27,281 Our diplomatic correspondent says the US is pressuring the UK 372 00:25:27,445 --> 00:25:29,834 to take Cuban refugees. 373 00:25:30,005 --> 00:25:32,280 The Government has made no comment. 374 00:25:32,445 --> 00:25:34,322 Got no money. 375 00:25:34,485 --> 00:25:37,318 All workers in London hospitals 376 00:25:37,485 --> 00:25:41,114 are to go on strike at Friday midnight. 377 00:25:41,845 --> 00:25:44,405 Right... What? 378 00:25:44,565 --> 00:25:47,159 A rowhas blown up at St Edward's 379 00:25:47,325 --> 00:25:51,682 over the proposed laying-off of 170 ancillary workers. 380 00:25:51,845 --> 00:25:54,518 We spoke to activist Billy Fraser. 381 00:25:54,685 --> 00:25:57,483 We're striking against unemployment. 382 00:25:57,645 --> 00:26:01,001 We can bring London's hospitals to a complete standstill. 383 00:26:01,645 --> 00:26:04,000 There'll be no blood transfusions, 384 00:26:04,165 --> 00:26:06,315 no cancertreatment, nothing! 385 00:26:06,485 --> 00:26:09,682 Till we have the compassionate society. 386 00:26:09,845 --> 00:26:14,635 - How can you do this to patients? - It's Mr Hackerthat's doing it. 387 00:26:14,805 --> 00:26:19,117 But you're inflicting terrible sanctions on the innocent public. 388 00:26:19,285 --> 00:26:24,484 I'd like to take this opportunity to assure the general public, 389 00:26:24,645 --> 00:26:29,036 every stone will be left unturned in a search for a settlement. 390 00:26:31,325 --> 00:26:35,523 Have you seen the news? You said you'd talk to the unions! 391 00:26:35,685 --> 00:26:39,963 - What are we going to do? - We have a more serious problem. 392 00:26:40,125 --> 00:26:43,356 Sir Maurice's independent enquiry about the department. 393 00:26:43,525 --> 00:26:45,641 It's unfavourable to us. 394 00:26:45,805 --> 00:26:47,875 You said he was sound! 395 00:26:48,045 --> 00:26:52,084 I know, but he's also working as chairman 396 00:26:52,245 --> 00:26:54,884 of the Refugee Resettlement Committee. 397 00:26:55,045 --> 00:26:59,357 There are more Brownie points for refugees than enquiries! 398 00:26:59,525 --> 00:27:01,243 Precisely, Minister. 399 00:27:01,405 --> 00:27:04,363 We've no money to re-house the refugees. 400 00:27:04,885 --> 00:27:07,445 - Minister? - I don'twant to talk! 401 00:27:07,605 --> 00:27:09,755 It's Number 10... 402 00:27:13,725 --> 00:27:15,158 Hello, Ji... 403 00:27:15,325 --> 00:27:16,917 Yes. Quite. 404 00:27:17,085 --> 00:27:18,404 I see. 405 00:27:18,565 --> 00:27:20,795 Not at all. Thank you. 406 00:27:21,365 --> 00:27:23,754 They've seen Fraser on the news. 407 00:27:23,925 --> 00:27:26,758 They want a peace formula soon. 408 00:27:26,925 --> 00:27:29,883 Sir Maurice says he'll be satisfied 409 00:27:30,045 --> 00:27:33,560 only if the UKwill house 1,000 refugees. 410 00:27:33,725 --> 00:27:38,241 Butwe haven't the money. Or for 1,000 hospital beds... 411 00:27:39,325 --> 00:27:43,000 - How many refugees? - 1,000. 412 00:27:43,165 --> 00:27:46,237 1,000 refugees? 1,000 beds! 413 00:27:46,405 --> 00:27:51,843 Minister, that hospital is for sick British not healthy foreigners! 414 00:27:52,005 --> 00:27:55,395 - There's a huge waiting list. - Didn't you just say 415 00:27:55,565 --> 00:27:59,444 Sir Maurice's enquiry was likely to come down against us? 416 00:27:59,605 --> 00:28:02,677 - That's a... - That what you want? 417 00:28:04,045 --> 00:28:06,559 I see your point, Minister. 418 00:28:06,725 --> 00:28:11,241 Bernard, reinstate all the workers at St Edward's. 419 00:28:11,405 --> 00:28:14,715 Tell Sir Maurice we can offer a new hospital, 420 00:28:14,885 --> 00:28:17,479 with accommodation for 1,000 refugees. 421 00:28:17,645 --> 00:28:21,684 Tell the press itwas my decision and that everybody's happy. 422 00:28:21,845 --> 00:28:26,043 - Do want to give a quote, Minister? - Why not? Say... 423 00:28:26,205 --> 00:28:30,596 "It was a tough decision, but a necessary one. 424 00:28:32,685 --> 00:28:36,724 If Britain is to retain the name of... 425 00:28:36,885 --> 00:28:40,560 - "The compassionate society"? - Thank you. 426 00:28:40,725 --> 00:28:43,478 "The compassionate society". Got that? 427 00:28:43,645 --> 00:28:45,044 Yes, Minister.