§ 10. Mr. P. MEEHANasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the need for adequate provision for patients in advanced infectious stages of tuberculosis in Ireland; whether he is aware that the effectiveness of the work of the local committees is seriously hampered by such cases spreading infection; and whether immediate steps will be taken to secure proper provision for such cases?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The importance of securing the isolation of patients in an advanced stage of tuberculosis has been duly recognised by the Irish Local Government Board, who have lost no opportunity of bringing the subject to the attention of the county councils. The matter, however, is complicated by the necessity of affording accommodation for such cases in reasonable proximity to their homes, as well as by difficulties of finance and management which would result from the establishment of numerous specialised institutions. The 1162 recommendation which the Board have addressed to all county councils has proceeded on the lines of the utilisation of the union isolation hospitals for this purpose by means of their transfer from the boards of guardians to the sanitary authorities, and their subsequent adaptation for the reception of advanced tuberculosis patients. This suggestion is receiving attention.
§ 11. Mr. MEEHANasked the Home Secretary whether the Local Government Board have yet adopted a scheme for the domiciliary treatment of tuberculosis patients in Ireland; if he is aware that the Local Government Board suspended the domiciliary part of schemes adopted by county committees in Ireland pending the preparation of an All-Ireland scheme; and whether, in the event of an All-Ireland scheme not being put into operation at once, the Local Government Board will permit county committees who have adopted domiciliary schemes of their own to put such schemes into operation at once?
§ Mr. SAMUELDomiciliary treatment of tuberculous patients is being carried out under the schemes of a number of county councils, but the Irish Local Government Board have advised the councils to proceed tentatively in this matter, pending the complete organisation of their dispensary arrangements. In a few instances the Board, in accordance with instructions from the Treasury by whom half the net cost of approved schemes for the treatment of tuberculosis is recouped, have taken exception to a monetary allowance for the purchase of ordinary subsistence for a tuberculosis patient under domiciliary treatment.
§ Mr. MEEHANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the domiciliary treatment of patients cost 10s. as against a much larger amount per week for sanatorium treatment; that there are a number of cases in Ireland which are fit for home treatment; and whether this scheme of the Local Government Board will be put into operation at once?
§ Mr. SAMUELI will bear in mind what the hon. Member has said.