NO LABOURC SELL OUT CAC Main job, says new president, is to resist the cutbacks announced in the Government's White Paper CUTS D We are asking for your support for a demonstration on 25 April 1976 commencing at Hyde Park Corner, being organised by the Committee with the support of NALGO and the Socialist Medical Association (SMA) against the cuts that are being made in expenditure on the National Health Service, and against the growth of private health care.
The National Health Service is in a state of crisis. ber 1973 announced a series of reductions in expenditure, and at 1973 prices, expenditure for 1974/75 was cut by £111 millions, a decline of almost 30 per cent. The NHS budget is to be reduced by the Labour Gov. ernment in 1976/77 by £38.8 millions, in 1977/78 by £93.2 millions and in 1978/79 by £152 millions. There is a rundown in the hospital building programme, yet over three-quarters of our hospitals were built before 1918, and areas like London are planning to close many hospitals over the next few years and there are further manpower cuts that are either already taking place or are being planned There is a shortage of nurses and technicians — an independent enquiry on nurses said: "It is common ground that the overall manpower shortage is approaching 20 percent - yet many Area Health Authorities plan to reduce their manpower, including nurses and technicians. have risen to 18 months for tonsillectomy and 12 months for gynaecology. whilst similar operations can be obtained privately within weeks. health schemes and hospitals are flourishing as a direct result of the inadequacies of the state service.
The purpose of the National Health Service was to provide free health care for all at the time of need. If the labour movement allows these cuts to continue, the reality will be a comprehensive private health service for those who can pay and a second-rate health service for those who cannot. The last Labour Party conference called for an end to all private practice — it is necessary for the labour movement to mount a united campaign for the implementation of that policy. cannot be left to hospital workers alone.
It is for his reason that we seek your support and help for this demonstration. An ad hoc committee is co-ordinating activities for the demonstration and intentions to support, offers of help, or requests for further information should be addressed to: Dr Paul Stern, 55 Bridge Lane, Lon Sponsors of the demonstration now include: NALGO, the National Union of Students, Sheffield AUEW District Committee, Sheffield District Labour Party, Southampton District Hospitals NUPE, Manchester NUPE, Manchester Trades Council.
New affiliates to the NCC itself include the London Co-op Political Committee, Harrow Trades Council, Hounslow Trades Council, and Hemel Hempstead Labour The Tories in DecemWaiting lists Private The defence of the health service