HC Deb 22 April 1937 vol 322 c1917
59. Mr. Brooke

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any steps are being taken to remedy the lack of hospital facilities in Newfoundland which was shown in the report of the Department of Health and Welfare; and whether any measures are contemplated to combat the high rate of infant mortality and the prevalence of tuberculosis?

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Marquess of Hartington)

The measures now in progress for the improvement of the hospital facilities in Newfoundland, including the enlargement of certain hospitals at St. John's and the completion of a chain of cottage hospitals outside the capital, were summarised in Chapter IV of the Annual Report of the Commission of Government for 1936, Cmd. 5425. My right hon. Friend has recently received from the Governor detailed proposals for the extension of the tuberculosis sanatorium, and a special survey of tuberculosis conditions is in progress. Consideration is also being given to the establishment in outport districts of pre-natal clinics and child welfare services corresponding to those in operation at St. John's. I may add that special attention will be given to the improvement of medical and health facilities in the formulation of the long-term programme of economic reconstruction which is now under consideration.

Mr. Petherick

Is it not the case that a considerable number of additional medical officers have been appointed?