HC Deb 10 April 1941 vol 370 cc1680-1
56. Major Milner

asked the Minister of Health whether the scheme of hospital treatment, outlined on 3rd April, is available for part-time Civil Defence workers, and, if not, why not?

Mr. E. Brown

The special scheme for the treatment of fractures which I outlined to the House on 3rd April includes whole-time Civil Defence workers, but not part-time Civil Defence workers unless their other occupation brings them within the scheme. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the resources of the scheme in skilled personnel and accommodation are limited, and therefore, in view of other commitments, it is not practicable at present to extend the scheme beyond the already numerous classes of workers mentioned in my statement. I should make it clear, however, that all Civil Defence workers injured in the course of their duty, whether they are whole-time or part-time, already receive free treatment under the scheme and will continue to do so.

Major Milner

Is it not the fact that there is ample accommodation available in the hospitals of this country, and, if so, why discriminate against those who are giving their services free?

Mr. Brown

The answer to that is that it is not so, and although there is no guarantee under the scheme that was announced, the working-out of the scheme, it is hoped, will provide the accommodation, and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that we have gone as far as we think we can in order to get these vital workers, who are outlined in the answer, back to work at the earliest possible moment on vital munitions work and full-time Civil Defence work, and we cannot go further than that.

Major Milner

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest convenient opportunity.