Mr. MONTAGUE BARLOWasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of his statements that since the insurance came into operation in Germany private benefactions to the hospitals have doubled, and that the experience of the only other country in which a scheme of national insurance has been attempted shows that the effect of insurance is not to diminish but to increase the subscriptions which are made to hospitals, he will state the increase of such benefactions and subscriptions in Germany previous to 1880, and also the increase to similar institutions in this country since that time?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI fear it is impossible to give the comparative return of benefactions and subscriptions asked for by the hon. Member. But with regard to the statement quoted in the question, I may say that the German Government state that during the twenty-four years— 1675 1882 to 1906—the number of public and of private hospitals with more than ten beds increased from 2,024 to 3,801, and the number of beds from 83,005 to 222,687. While the population increased during the period named by 35 per cent., the number of hospitals increased by 88 per cent., and the number of beds by 168 per cent.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPECould the right hon. Gentleman say approximately the number of public and private beds in the hospitals?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI cannot give an answer now; but I shall be very happy to inquire if the hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper.