§ Mr. DAVID DAVIESasked whether the sum set apart for sanatorium benefit in the Insurance Bill is to be confined exclusively to the relief of insured persons, or whether it is to be applied in such a way as to make provision for uninsured persons as well?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe annual sum set apart for sanatorium benefit, being derived mainly from the contributions of insured persons and their employers, will be confined exclusively to the relief of insured persons. But the sanatoria which receives grants out of the capital sum set apart from last year's realised surplus will be free to take other patients.
§ Mr. DAVID DAVIESasked whether the scope of sanatorium benefit in the National Insurance Bill is limited to the treatment of tuberculosis in sanatoria and similar institutons, or whether it includes provision for education, tuberculosis exhibitions, early diagnosis, after-care, and other means for the prevention and cure of this disease?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEIt is not intended to confine the treatment of tuberculosis to sanatoria, but the words of the Bill are intended to make it possible for the disease to be treated at cliniques or dispensaries which could be established locally and in which the proper means to be taken for the prevention and cure of the disease could be taught. The Bill also provides that a portion of the funds available for the benefit can be applied to research.