§ Mr. ASTORasked, in the event of the sums available for defraying expenses of sanatorium treatment under Section 15 (2) of the National Insurance Bill proving inadequate for the maintenance of all suitable cases in sanatoria, will an insured person suffering from consumption be debarred from obtaining sanatorium benefit?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe Local Health Committee, under Clause 15 (3), is responsible for selecting the cases to be sent to approved sanatoria for sanatorium treatment at an agreed payment at the cost of the Insurance Fund. I am advised that the sum allocated is sufficient to provide the necessary accommodation.
§ Mr. ASTORDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean that every insured person suffering from consumption will get adequate treatment?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI cannot really express an opinion as to whether all these cases ought to be sent to sanatoria. But I am advised that the accommodation to be provided for the sum we have placed at the disposal of the health committees will be quite adequate for all the cases likely to be sent there. If the sum is inadequate 243 the hon. Member will find provision in the Bill for further assistance, either through the medium of the local rates or the Treasury. The Treasury, I presume, would be responsible for one-half and the local rates for the other half if more accommodation is required.
§ Mr. REMNANTDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to take any steps to prevent those who can afford to pay for treatment at home being sent to sanatoria?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI would rather not express an opinion upon that. It is a question which really ought to be considered very carefully after the medical advisory committee has been set up in the Bill. I do not think it would be advisable to tie our hands at this stage, and before we get information.