§ 25. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Health whether he can make a statement indicating what further progress it has been possible to make to give effect to the recommendations of the report on Anti-tuberculosis Services in Wales, and in particular with the provision of houses in the rural areas?
§ Mr. ElliotI am keeping this matter under review, but the pressure of business arising out of the war has so far prevented the local authorities in Wales from completing their consideration of the problems raised by the report. With regard to housing I have, as the hon. Member knows, undertaken to give special consideration to all proposals from the Welsh rural authorities. Three hundred and twenty-nine houses were completed between the 31st July and the end of November and I have approved for completion a further 979 of which 178 were at an early stage of construction. The hutted hospitals at Denbigh and Chepstow will be completed in the course of the year. As the hon. Member is aware, these units are intended primarily for the casualty service, but subject to the requirements of that service I hope that Denbigh, at any rate, will be available for the accommodation of tuberculous patients.
§ Mr. GriffithsDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to convene a conference, as was suggested, of local authorities as soon as he can?
§ Mr. ElliotI am examining the matter in the light of war circumstances, and I think that probably it will be undesirable to do so.