§ 61. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health if he will consider appointing a court of inquiry to investigate and report on the prevailing conditions of the public health service of the country, and to inquire especially into the compulsory segregation of persons seriously affected with tuberculosis and in an infectious and incurable condition; and will he take steps to provide adequate protection to the children and near relatives of such persons who, through lack of housing accommodation, are forced to live in close proximity to such persons?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs at present advised, I see no necessity for such an inquiry as is suggested. As regards the compulsory segregation of persons suffering from tuberculosis and in an infectious state, I may point out that legislation on 629 this subject has already been obtained by a number of local authorities, and possibly an opportunity of dealing with the matter generally, as has been recommended by the Local Legislation Committee, may occur in connection with the Public Health Bill which secured a Second Reading on Friday last. As regards the last part of the question, it is for the local sanitary authorities to take all such steps as are practicable to prevent the spread of infection.
§ 83. Mr. W. C. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Health what increased provision for the treatment of tuberculosis has been made since the issue of the Circular of 8th February, 1924?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINSince the issue of the Circular of 8th February, 1924, proposals for the provision of more than 1,300 additional beds have been approved. In addition, local authorities have been authorised to take additional beds at institutions belonging to voluntary bodies, and to carry out other developments of their tuberculosis schemes. The number of persons under treatment in residential institutions has increased by nearly 1,300 since 1st February, 1924, whilst the total net expenditure by local authorities which is about to be authorised for 1925–26 is £100,000 in excess of the estimated net expenditure during the curernt year. The figures quoted relate to England only.
§ Mr. R. DAVIESCan the right hon. Gentleman state how many persons suffering from tuberculosis are still waiting for admission to institutions, for treatment?