§ 56. Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Minister of Health whether he has arranged for the keeping of records regarding the treatment centres for venereal diseases established partly or wholly at the public expense: whether he can state the number of cases that have been dealt with for the first time at such centres; and what has been the expenditure in connection with such centres from national and local funds, respectively, for each year since their establishment?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The number of cases dealt with for the first time at these centres between the 1st of January, 1917, when the first treatment centres were opened, and the 31st December, 1919, is approximately 175,000. The approximate expenditure of local authorities on their schemes for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal diseases during the years ended the 31st March, 1917, 1918, and 1919, amounted to £18,000, £116,000 and £216,000 respectively. The estimated expenditure during the current financial year is £314,000. Of this expenditure 75 per cent. is borne by national funds and 25 per cent. by local funds.