§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the Postmaster-General the number of men discharged from his Department during the years 1899 to 1908 suffering from tuberculosis; and whether, on their discharge, any provision for the treatment of the disease in a home or hospital was made by his Department on their behalf; and whether any money grant was made to such men.
§ Captain NORTON (Lord of the Treasury)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer the questions addressed to him to-day. The number of established Post Office servants superannuated on account of tuberculosis during the past ten years is as follows:—
The established force to which these figures refer numbered in 1908 (in round figures) 90,000. There is no official ar- 1842 rangement for affording treatment to Post Office servants suffering from tuberculosis. Every established officer retiring on account of ill-health is entitled either to a pension or a gratuity under the terms of the Superannuation Acts.
Men. Women. 1899 … … 72 … 11 1900 … … 82 … 11 1901 … … 95 … 21 1902 … … 76 … 6 1903 … … 104 … 15 1904 … … 109 … 19 1905 … … 96 … 18 1906 … … 101 … 15 1907 … … 81 … 15 1908 … … 90 … 20
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLIs no further provision beyond that indicated made for the recovery of patients from the disease? Are no precautions taken to prevent it spreading after they are discharged?
§ Captain NORTONPrecautions are, I believe, taken with reference to the spreading of the disease, but there are no gratuities or pensions beyond those I have stated.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLWhat precautions are taken against the spread of the disease?
§ Captain NORTONIf the hon. Member will put down a question I will inquire and get the information.