HC Deb 19 June 1912 vol 39 cc1650-1
29. Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether he can give an estimate of the number of persons of both sexes who will be entitled to sanatorium benefit on or after 15th July, and of the number of beds that will be available as on 15th July for their accommodation in the various sanatoria of Great Britain and Ireland?

Mr. MASTERMAN

No estimate can be given of the number of persons employed on 15th July who will be found to be suffering from tuberculosis in such a form as to need treatment of the kind included in sanatoria benefit. I cannot at present announce the number of beds which will be actually available for insured persons in sanatoria on that date. Sanatorium benefit, as the hon. Member is doubtless aware from study of the Astor Report, include many other forms of treatment in addition to treatment in residential sanatoria. A memorandum will shortly be issued explaining the arrangements contemplated for these purposes.

Mr. NEWMAN

Will this memorandum make it perfectly clear that sanatorium benefit will be paid for and not guaranteed?

Mr. MASTERMAN

If sanatorium benefit is given it will undoubtedly be paid for.