Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the very large increases in the death rate from tuberculosis in certain parts of Durham during the last war, of more than 60 per cent., he is now taking special steps to reinforce the anti-tuberculosis service in these areas; and what proportion of the beds available for tuberculosis patients is now being occupied in the country as a whole and in county Durham, respectively?
§ Mr. ElliotOn 31st December last there were in the geographical county of Durham 948 beds provided by councils for the treatment of tuberculosis. Seven hundred and ninety-three patients were2286W being maintained by them in tuberculosis institutions and there was a waiting list of 12 persons. The apparent discrepancy between a surplus of unoccupied beds and a waiting list is, of course, due to the necessity for particular types of accommodation for particular types of case. For England and Wales as a whole the corresponding figures were 26,433, 20,952 and 1,072, respectively. A new sanatorium is in process of construction by the Poole Joint Sanatorium Board at Middlesbrough. This will add 315 beds to the accommodation available for the area. Continuation of this building scheme was approved by the Ministry in September; questions of priority of materials are now being dealt with, and the sanatorium is expected to be completed within 12 months.