§ 98. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Section 14 (1) of the Local Government Act does not give county councils the necessary powers to deal with orthopaedic cases; and, seeing that they are unable to supply special nourishment, irons, crutches, etc., or treatment in clinics except under the Poor Law, which is undesirable, whether he will give this question further consideration with a view to introducing legislation on the subject?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI am advised that under Section 14 (1) of the Local Government Act, 1929, county councils will be able to provide clinics for the treatment of orthopaedic cases, and as part of the work of the clinics to supply all necessary appliances. I am also advised that as a rule orthopaedic cases do not need special nourishment as part of treatment, and that exceptional cases in which this is required should receive treatment in hospital.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the opinion of the Devon County Council that they have not the necessary powers? Is he aware that hospital treatment may cost £2 10s. a week when treatment in a clinic costing 5s. a week is all that is necessary and the county "council cannot pay this 5s.?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have just informed the hon. and gallant Member that they have power to do so.
§ Sir J. LAMBIn view of the fact that some county councils do not appreciate this fact, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to circularise them?