HC Deb 15 October 1942 vol 383 cc1741-2
19. Mr. Thorne

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give any information about the mass radiology in the cure of tuberculosis and diseases of the chest; what is the cost of the apparatus; are local authorities called up to pay the Purchase Tax; and whether the Government will make a grant or allow a special loan to be made for the purchase of these instruments?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

On the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the recent report of the Committee of the Medical Research Council on tuberculosis in war-time. The production of the standard apparatus has not yet reached a stage at which its cost can be closely determined, but it is expected to be in the region of £1,500. Apparatus of this kind is not, I understand, subject to Purchase Tax. It is not proposed to make special grants towards this particular item of cost to those county councils and county borough councils who will be concerned, but, as indicated in the statement which I made in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 8th October, substantial Exchequer assistance is being given towards the cost of the treatment of tuberculosis.

Sir Francis Fremantle

Is the scheme for training doctors and mechanics to deal with this most complicated apparatus in full swing and able to keep pace with the supply of instruments?

Mr. Brown

That point was dealt with in the answer I gave. The answer is, "Yes."