33. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)asked if the Financial Secretary's attention has been called to the terms of a circular issued by the Kent insurance Committee to insured persons to the effect that, owing to the number of patients receiving sanatorium benefit and to the fact that the sum of money available for the purpose is limited, it has become necessary to reduce the quantity of nourishment supplied; if, in the case of a contributor named Hugh Storey, the committee have communicated with the tradesman who was under instructions to supply him with certain special foods ordered for him by the doctor concelling such instructions; and whether arrangements can be made to ensure all tuberculosis patients receiving the medicine and nourishment ordered for them by their medical advisers?
Mr. BENNMy right hon. Friend is informed that no general circular has been issued by the Kent Insurance Committee making any such announcement as that suggested in the hon. Member's question. He understands, however, that in the case of individual insured persons who have already been in receipt of special nourishment for the full period for which such grants of nourishment are ordinarily given, the Committee, while continuing the treatment recommended, have in some cases postponed the question of any further grant of special nourishment in consideration of the immediate claims of other applicants, and with the object of securing the employment of the funds at their disposal to the greatest advantage. Such action was taken in the case of the insured person to whom the hon. Member refers, and a letter was addressed to him by the committee's medical adviser notifying him of their decision in the matter. He has, however, continued to receive domiciliary treatment under the supervision of the medical adviser, who recommended in his case the provision of a shelter for open-air treatment, with which he has been supplied. A further grant of special nourishment was in due course considered and allowed, and orders for its supply were issued on Monday, 9th February.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSMay I ask the hon. Gentleman how long it took the Insurance Commissioners to arrive at a decision? Is it not the fact that attention was called to the case on 13th January, and up to the present the only solitary letter was received by myself?
Mr. BENNThe matter is one primarily for the insurance committee, and not the Insurance Commissioners, but I will certainly find out.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSThey might have given me that information in reply.