§ 16. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the difficulty found by tuberculous ex-soldiers to find employment, and in order to establish an effective system of treatment of such men, he will establish special work centres such as exist in New York, where they can work under hygienic conditions and medical supervision, and also a number of village settlements, where, as at Kinson Farm Colony and Papworth, the tuberculous can follow the occupation of agriculture or gardening, or any form of employment to which they are adapted?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Major Astor)I have been asked to reply to this question, as its subject-matter is within the province of the Insurance Commission and the Local Government Board. Both these Departments have been and are most anxious to encourage, under suitable conditions and on approved standards of efficient working, such centres or colonies as are referred to in the question.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKDoes not my hon. Friend think that the time has now come when a Committee should be appointed to inquire into the after-care of the tuberculous men?
§ Major ASTORIf it had not been that my presence was required here yesterday in connection with the passing of the Ministry of Health Bill I should have been presiding at a conference to go into this very subject. I can assure my hon. Friend that it is receiving constant care and attention by the Departments concerned.