§ 44. Mr. HARRY LAWSONasked whether arrangements will be made to prevent consumption patients in the East End of London from being kept nearly, eight weeks before any decision is given as to whether they can obtain sanatorium benefit, seeing that under the present circumstances more harm than good is in many cases done by preventing alternative treatment?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am not aware of any such delay before decision as is suggested by the hon. Member, although some patients have been kept waiting a short period while the accommodation for them is being completed. Patients who remain at home until accommodation is ready in sanatoria, so far from being prevented from receiving alternative treatment, are provided with it; medical attendance, medicines and articles ancillary to their treatment, such as extra food, all being supplied to them at the expense of the insurance funds. I am informed that the Downes School at Carshalton, which is being equipped as a sanatorium for over 300 cases, will commence receiving patients from the London Insurance Committee in a few days' time, and so relieve any waiting list at present existing.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONWould the right hon. Gentleman like to have facts brought to his notice?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am always delighted to have facts on the Insurance Act.
§ Sir HENRY CRAIKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are still constant complaints that the necessary food and other medical appliances in the case of domiciliary treatment are being at the present time delayed?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am not aware of it. If the hon. Gentleman will give me some definite statement, I will have inquiries made.