HC Deb 01 April 1919 vol 114 cc1056-7
41. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Minister of Pensions how many ex-Service men suffering from tuberculosis were awaiting sanatorium treatment on the 28th February last?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Major Astor)

I have been asked, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, to answer this question. The number of discharged tuberculous men awaiting residential treatment on the date named was approximately 470.

I may add that my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board, in conjunction with the Minister of Pensions, has appointed an Interdepartmental Committee with the following terms of reference: To consider and report upon the immediate practical steps which should be taken for the provision of residential treatment for discharged soldiers and sailors suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and for their re-introduction into employment, especially on the land. The Committee will consist of representatives of the several Departments concerned, and of Members of this House. I have 'been asked to act as chairman. Replies are still awaited in one or two cases, but I hope shortly to circulate with the Votes the names of the members of the Committee.

Colonel ASHLEY

What immediate steps have been taken, because if these unfortunate men have to wait for the Report they will probably all be dead?

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Would it not be more to the purpose if the Local Government Board had provided extra sanatorium accommodation at once?

Major ASTOR

The Local Government Board is taking every step to provide additional sanatorium accommodation. All I meant to convey by that answer was that there was not a long waiting list on the particular date mentioned. There are something like 200 committees concerned, and there were only a couple of cases from each committee on the waiting list at that moment.

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a longer waiting list of civilian patients? What steps have been taken to deal with them?

Major ASTOR

I think the civilian tuberculous people have a far longer waiting list than discharged ex-soldiers. This question only refers to ex-soldiers. The Local Government Board is taking every step to try to encourage the provision of institutional treatment for the population at large.

An HON. MEMBER

Does this apply to soldiers in Ireland suffering from tuberculosis?

Major ASTOR

I think so.