§ 62. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Health whether the legislation necessary before he can decide the future utilisation of Poor Law infirmaries is to be expected this Session; and, if not, whether he will give such definite advice to boards of guardians as will enable them to make the institutional provision urgently required for tuberculous persons without incurring expenditure on accommodation which may be unsuitable for its ultimate purpose?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am not yet in a position to make any statement in regard to the first part of the question. As regards the latter part of the question, it is not the policy of the Government to encourage boards of guardians to make additional provision for tuberculous persons. I am pressing upon the public health authorities the need for providing further institutional accommodation for these cases, with the aid of substantial financial assistance from the Exchequer.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEDoes not that mean a large amount of institutional provision that may be superfluous when there are Poor Law institutions available for the purpose, and suitable?
§ Dr. ADDISONI do not think it does. 4s a matter of fact, we are several thousand beds short at the present time.