§ Major Carverasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the serious incidence of rheumatism among insured persons, he will cause treatment at recognised British spas, given under medical recommendation, to rank for payment in whole or in part by approved societies where such are able to give additional benefit, No. 16, payment to approved charitable institutions in respect of any treatment of members required for the prevention or cure of disease provided under the Third Schedule of the National Health Insurance Act, 1936?
§ Mr. ElliotI am prepared to consider the granting of approval for the purposes of additional benefit No. 16 to any charitable institution which satisfies me that it has available diagnostic and other facilities of a high standard for the treatment of rheumatism. I am not, however, at present satisfied that there is a sufficient case for the extension of the benefit to cover treatment at a spa otherwise than in an approved charitable institution.