HC Deb 23 February 1914 vol 58 cc1384-5
16. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked whether the statistics and clinical information regarding the administration of sanatorium benefit from 12th July, 1912, to 14th January, 1914, which insurance committees were requested to supply to the Commissioners by 26th January, will be laid before this House; and, if so, when?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)

As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for South Norfolk on the 12th instant, a return on the subject of the administration of sanatorium benefit is in course of preparation, and will shortly be laid before this House; but the precise manner in which the information recently obtained for the purpose from insurance committees can most conveniently be presented is still under consideration.

22. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in paragraph 11, page 171, of the report of a sub-committee of the West Ham Insurance Committee that, out of ninety-five tuberculous persons receiving domiciliary treatment in their area at the end of 1913, no less than thirty-seven were sleeping in the same rooms as other persons; and what the Government propose to do in the matter?

Mr. BENN

My right hon. Friend has not yet received the Report; but on its receipt he will consider any statement of the character referred to.

28. Mr. CASSEL

asked whether a number of insured consumptives, especially patients with advanced disease, are being treated in workhouse infirmaries; and whether it is proposed to make any payment to the guardians for their maintenance in such cases?

Mr. BENN

It is not open to insurance committees under the Act to make arrangements with, or payments to, Poor Law authorities for the treatment of tuberculous insured persons in Poor Law institutions.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Are we to understand that "workhouse infirmaries" and "first-class hotels" are relative terms in the opinion of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. BENN

The hon. Member must draw his own conclusions.

Mr. CASSEL

Will the Government in these cases of insured persons suffering from tuberculosis who are sent to workhouse infirmaries recoup the guardians the expense?

Mr. BENN

I have pointed out to the hon. and learned Gentleman that that is forbidden by the Act. It is open to insurance committees to make what provisions they consider necessary for the insured persons in their area.

Mr. CASSEL

Will the Government introduce legislation to enable payment to be made?

Mr. BENN

The hon. and learned Member must give notice of that question.