HC Deb 26 July 1915 vol 73 cc1973-5
61. Mr. BOOTH

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that the chairman of the Insurance Commission (England) informed the London Insurance Committee that the Local Government Board stipulated for a sum of £9,300 annually for a scheme of dispensary services to deal with tuber-culous patients; and whether he can give the committee any information to enable it to come to a decision about the proposed expenditure?

Mr. LONG

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I understand that the London Insurance Committee have come to a decision in the matter.

Mr. BOOTH

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the only decision they have come to is to ask for further particulars?

Mr. LONG

No, I think the hon. Member is mistaken. I am informed they have arrived at a decision as to the amount to be paid excepting the amount which was estimated by the Local Government Board to be the annual cost of the maintenance of the services. I have no special knowledge.

Mr. BOOTH

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the London Insurance Committee refused to endorse the action of the sub-committee, rejected the paragraph, and asked for further information? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the minutes if I send him a copy?

Mr. LONG

I shall be glad to consider anything. I have no control over the London Insurance Committee, and no right to represent them here.

63. Mr. BOOTH

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, if he is aware that the chairman of the Insurance Commission (England) attended the London sanatorium sub-committee and asked for a yearly grant of £9,300 to be given to the Local Government Board for dispensary services, and that no particulars were given nor the grounds stated upon which this charge was based; and whether he can give any information as to how this sum has been arrived at?

The COMPTROLLER of the HOUSEHOLD (Mr. C. Roberts)

No, Sir, no such request was made to the London Insurance Committee as is stated in the question. The Insurance Commission merely communicated to the London Insurance Committee, for their consideration, certain proposals resulting from the negotiations undertaken, at the request of the London Insurance Committee, by the Local Government Board with the Metropolitan borough councils, together with an explanation of the principles on which those proposals were based. The reply to the second paragraph in the question has been given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board in response to another question on the Paper to-day.

Mr. BOOTH

In view of the fact that the President of the Local Government Board said he did not represent this matter, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will furnish any information which is asked for by this important body, the London Insurance Committee, as to how the £9,300 is made up?

Mr. ROBERTS

I think I must refer my hon. Friend, for the explanation of that sum, to the President of the Local Government Board.

Mr. BOOTH

I will make a further effort on the Adjournment of the House. Perhaps they will settle it between them by then.