§ 37. Mr. AMMONasked the Minister of Health whether a confidential circular has been issued from the Ministry of Health withdrawing the allowance for extra food for ex-service men under treatment, in hospitals and other similar places, for consumption; and, if so, what is the reason for the order?
§ Sir A. MONDThe answer is in the negative. I am not aware that it has ever been the practice to provide extra food for ex-service patients in approved institutions for the treatment of tuberculosis, and I have at no time authorised or recommended any such practice. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular issued by my Department to local authorities on the 17th January last which contains general advice as to the feeding of patients at tuberculosis institutions.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the local War Pensions Committees were empowered by Warrant to give the extra allowance for food in the case of the ex-service men suffering from tuberculosis and in institutions—does he not know that?
§ Sir A. MONDThat is not in the question. The question I was asked whether I have withdrawn any allowance.
§ Mr. AMMONIs not this allowance made by the local War Pensions Committee to these institutions, and the circular to which reference has been made is being interpreted that they are not now to have the benefit of this?
§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYIs it not the circular that has been issued by the Pensions Minister that has led to the complication to which the hon. Gentleman refers?
§ Sir A. MONDThat may be so.
§ Mr. HOGGEIn view of the importance of this matter will my right hon. Friend make further inquiries as to whether this allowance has ceased to exist, and whether or not he administered it by arrangement?
§ Sir A. MONDCertainly, I will go into it.