§ 66. Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the revelations of the Committee of Inquiry into the Anti-Tuberculosis Service in South Wales, he will cause inquiries to be set on foot in all the other scheduled Special Areas and in such areas as Lancashire and London where poverty is widespread, although they are not classified as Special?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)The Committee of Inquiry was set up to review the Anti-Tuberculosis Service in Wales which is of a special nature owing to the functions exercised by the Welsh National Memorial Association. The Association acts as agents for the local authorities and obtains its revenue by precept on them. This system does not exist in the other areas referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the Minister take steps to find ways and means of instituting such inquiries in other areas so that we can get to know what is necessary to be done in those areas?
§ Mr. BernaysThe whole point of the answer was that such an inquiry was not necessary, because in each area we can place the responsibility on the local authority. The local authorities give to us each year an annual report. There is, therefore, no need for a special inquiry.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the Minister see that a report is issued to his Department from each district similar to that issued in connection with Wales?
§ Mr. BernaysWe already have reports.