HC Deb 02 October 1941 vol 374 cc700-2
28. Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Minister of Health to what does he attribute the increase in tuberculosis; how many people suffering from tuberculosis in Britain are waiting admission to sanatoria; and is the increase in non-pulmonary tuberculosis higher in areas where pasteurised milk is unobtainable?

Mr. E. Brown

I have arranged for a special inquiry to be made, with the assistance of the Medical Research Council, into the causes of the war-time increases in tuberculosis. The latest information available shows that on 30th June last there were 1,763 persons in England and Wales who had been on local authority waiting lists for institutional treatment for upwards of 10 days. The information referred to in the last part of the Question is not available.

Dr. Summerskill

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that these 1,700 people suffering from active tuberculosis in this country are a source of danger to their families, and can he say why he permits this state of affairs and does not bring pressure to bear on local authorities?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Lady is under a misapprehension. We are doing a great deal about this, and we are making arrangements to realise some E.M.S. beds. It is not merely a question of beds, however, but of nurses. This is still one of our most serious propositions.

Dr. Summerskill

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unless he pays the nurses more there will be a dearth of nurses?

Mr. Brown

I think the hon. Lady is mistaken, because, as she knows, conditions are different now with regard to the payment of nurses. Since I have been Minister we have taken immediate steps about the Civil Nursing Reserve; other hospitals have followed that lead, and I am about to set up a central committee on rates of pay as recommended by the Athlone Committee.

Miss Ward

Will my right hon. Friend see that the Government give a lead as to what the proper standard of nursing should be?

Mr. Brown

My hon. Friend knows that the Athlone Committee reported two years ago on this matter and that I have taken steps to bring all the parties together. I hope to make an announcement as to the actual composition of the committee in a few days' time.