§ 52. Mr. PEASEasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have decided to give any, and, if so, what, financial assistance to village settlements for tuberculous ex-service men?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)My right hon. Friends the Minister of Health and the Minister of Pensions have investigated the work of the two village settlements which have been started in this country for the benefit of tuberculous persons. They are satisfied that much useful work has been accomplished, but, as these settlements are still in the experimental stage, it is too early to say whether they will be permanently successful. In the circumstances, the Government are of opinion that there is a good case for some 1688 financial assistance from the Exchequer towards the extension of the settlements, so as to provide additional accommodation for tuberculous ex-service men, and to enable the experiment to be tried on a somewhat larger scale. When the House reassembles, it is proposed to submit a Supplementary Estimate of £20,000 for the purpose of grants providing 25 additional cottages for ex-service men and their families at each of the existing settlements.