HC Deb 11 December 1912 vol 45 cc456-7
69. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any and, if so, what person paid 2s. 8d. as insurance tax and received sanatorium benefit of £21; whether any and, if so, what person paid 4s. 8d. tax and received benefits valued at £200; and whether such payments, if made, are to be regarded as normal?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)

Yes, Sir, the cases mentioned by my right hon. Friend are actual cases of those now receiving sanatorium benefit under the Insurance Act, and the sums mentioned are based upon the medical estimates of the time required for treatment and cure. I do not think that I should be asked to furnish names without the permission of the patients, though I should be willing to furnish the names in confidence to the hon. Member. Cases such as these are normal accompaniments of such insurance schemes as that of the National Insurance Act in which large bodies of persons are united in order to guarantee each and all against what may be a very heavy risk for some of them.

Sir J. D. REES

Does the hon. Gentleman think it fair to the public that these cases should be put forward?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.

74. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can arrange treatment in a sanatorium for Mr. R. G. Went, of 17, East Hill, Colchester, an insured person, who applied for sanatorium treatment on the advice of his medical attendant on 11th October last and who was recommended by the chief tuberculosis officer on 31st October as a suitable case for two months' treatment in a sanatorium, and who has been unable to obtain treatment owing to lack of accommodation; and whether, in view of this and many similar eases in Essex, additional beds can be lent to the Essex insurance committee pending arrangements for permanent accommodation?

Mr. MASTERMAN

As I stated in reply to a similar question which the hon. Member asked me on Monday, additional accommodation for oases of tuberculosis in Essex has been secured, and a scheme for the provision of a temporary sanatorium for the treatment of about fifty cases is under consideration. I am making inquiries with regard to the particular case mentioned.