§ 41. Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the monetary grants made to venereal-disease clinics in the London area are made in proportion to the total individual attendances in the course of a year instead of to the number of patients treated; and, as this is calculated to lead to over-treatment, which in these diseases can be almost as dangerous as no treatment, will he take steps to see that the basis of the grants is altered?
Mr. ElliottNo, Sir. I am informed by the London County Council, by whom the payments are made, that the number of attendances is only one of many factors taken into consideration in determining the amounts of the payments. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number of attendances is taken as a means of determining the grant, and that as a consequence there have been many complaints about patients 2221 having to go there quite unnecessarily in order to make up the attendances necessary to qualify for the grant?
§ Mr. ElliotIt is only one of the factors which are taken into account.