HC Deb 13 December 1927 vol 211 cc2097-8
74. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Health what percentage of tuberculous cases, discharged after treatment from sanatoria, die from tuberculosis within five years of their discharge; and whether his Department has under consideration any schemes for the after-care of patients who have been treated in sanatoria for tuberculosis?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. As regards the second part, local authorities are empowered under the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Act, 1921, to make arrangements for the after-care of persons who have suffered from tuberculosis, and many local authorities have made arrangements of this kind.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his Department do not appear to keep any of the really valuable statistics relating to this illness, and will he take steps to see that more accurate information is collected, so that it may be available?

Sir K. WOOD

The hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. I should be very glad to show him the statistics we have, and to explain to him the many steps which we are taking in the matter.

75. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department has any scheme under consideration to prevent the spread of infection of tuberculosis by discharged sanatorium patients?

Sir K. WOOD

It is the duty of the local medical officer of health under the Tuberculosis Regulations to take such steps as are necessary or desirable to prevent the spread of infection in every case of tuberculosis which is notified to him, and those patients who receive sana- torium treatment are instructed in the precautions necessary to avoid the risk of infecting other persons.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is customary for these ex-sanatorium patients to be sent back in a very bad condition, so that they contract the disease again and spread it?

Sir K. WOOD

I do not think one can dispose of the matter in that way. In a very large number of cases these unfortunate people return home at their own desire, or sometimes at the request of their relatives, and it is very difficult indeed to deal with such cases.

Dr. DAVIES

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the local authorities are doing all in their power to deal with these cases?

Sir K. WOOD

No, I am never satisfied in these matters.