§ 27. Mr. McENTEEasked the Minister of Health whether, with a view to helping the Come-to-Britain movement, he will arrange for his medical officers to make a systematic study of climatology in relation to health, of the importance of providing facilities for cures, and of the way in which psychical influences may be developed?
Sir H. YOUNGAttention is paid to the subject of climatology by the medical profession, and the subject is included in the course of study for diplomas in public health. The importance of facilities for treatment at health resorts is dealt with in a report on chronic arthritis issued by my Department. I do not quite follow for what purpose the hon. Member recommends the development of psychical influences.
| The following statement gives comparative figures for 31st December, 1930, and 31st December, 1931. | ||
| The statement relates to England and Wales, and includes the provision made by Voluntary Agencies which are subsidised by the Local Authorities. | ||
| Services. | Numbers at 31st, December | |
| 1930. | 1931. | |
| Ante-Natal Clinics: | ||
| Local Authorities | 907 | 1,054 |
| Voluntary Agencies | 194 | 198 |
| Maternity Homes and Hospitals: | ||
| Provided by Local Authorities | 90 | 93 |
| Provided by Voluntary Agencies | 144 | 128 |
| Number of beds provided by Local Authorities | 1,189 | 1,322 |
| Number of beds provided by Voluntary Agencies | 2,199 | 1,954 |
| Institutions transferred to Local Authorities under Part I of Local Government Act, 1929, which include maternity wards. | 552 | 526 |
| Number of beds in these wards | 3,953 | 3,836 |
| Nurses employed for the nursing of expectant mothers and children under 5 years of age suffering from measles, whooping cough, etc. | 2,054 | 2,273 |
| Convalescent Homes for expectant and nursing mothers, or children under 5 years of age: | ||
| Provided by Local Authorities | 17 | 17 |
| Provided by Voluntary Agencies | 51 | 52 |
| Number of beds provided by Local Authorities | 380 | 306 |
| Number of beds provided by Voluntary Agencies | 473 | 546 |
| Homes for Mothers and Babies: | ||
| Provided by Local Authorities | 6 | 5 |
| Provided by Voluntary Agencies | 111 | 149 |
| Number of beds provided by Local Authorities | 158 | 119 |
| Number of beds provided by Voluntary Agencies | 2,163 | 3,045 |
§ Mr. McENTEEIs the right hon. hon. Gentleman aware of the curative properties of Walthamstow which have been particularly helpful in regard to myopia?