§ 24. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health whether he will recommend to, or instruct, local authorities in control of public shelters used for sleep at night to make available in. all such shelters supplies of antiseptic and medicinal tablets or pastilles for free distribution with a view to minimising ailments and infection?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)The medical aid posts at the larger shelters will be equipped with appliances and drugs based on a schedule recommended by the committee over which Lord Horder presides. This schedule includes some medicinal tablets.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes that mean that whenever it is necessary application can be made for the distribution of these pastilles, and will my right hon. Friend agree that if the Government can freely distribute plugs for the ears, they can equally well freely distribute pastilles for the throat?
§ Mr. MacDonaldWhatever I am advised is necessary in the way of these provisions will be available for free distribution.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether in fact any of these pastilles are being distributed now, in view of the very great risk of infection which exists in many of the shelters?
§ Mr. MacDonaldIn some of them they are, but our organisation is not yet complete, although we are developing it as rapidly as we can.
§ Mr. LindsayWill the right hon. Gentleman first make certain that every shelter has a first-aid post?
§ Mr. MacDonaldThat is also a matter with which we are getting on as rapidly as we can, so far as the large shelters are concerned.
§ Mr. Gordon MacdonaldWill the distribution of these supplies apply to shelters throughout the country, and not to London only?
§ Mr. MacDonaldYes, it will apply to shelters throughout the country.
§ 55. Mr. G. Straussasked the Home Secretary whether he will authorise the expenditure by local authorities for the provision, on the relay or some other economic system, of wireless apparatus in shelters holding a number of people?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI see no objection to the use of wireless in shelters under proper control, but as at present advised I do not think there is a case for its provision at the public expense.
§ Mr. StraussAs there is shelter only to a very small extent, would my right hon. Friend keep an open mind on this question and consider applications made by local authorities?
§ Captain PluggeIn view of the reduced service by the B.B.C., cannot some money from licences go towards providing sets?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThat is a question for the Minister of Information. In reply to the first Supplementary Question, I would say that I do try to keep an open mind on this question but that the problem is to keep an open purse.