§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of soldiers who have been dismissed from the Army suffering from consumption during the past 12 months; and whether any provision, and for what number, was made by his Department in order to enable them to cope with the disease?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe number of cases of discharges for tubercle of lung in 1908 was 272. Statistics for later periods are not available at the War Office, as the Returns are only made up annually, and a special Return would be necessary to secure the information. As regards the last part of the question, no special provision is made by the War Office, but the authorities of military hospitals endeavour to arrange locally for these men to be taken into homes on discharge.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLIn view of the great danger arising from infection through the discharge of these soldiers, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not think it is fit and proper that a Government Department should make arrangements for the reception of these men?
§ Mr. HALDANEThis matter has been fully discussed before. Whatever you do in this case you must also do in the case of the Navy and other public Departments. We cannot deal specially with one Department apart from the others.