§ 34. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is a shortage of beds in sanatoria for tuberculosis; and whether he is taking any action.
§ Mr. WillinkYes, Sir. Every effort continues to be made, so far as existing conditions allow, to ease this problem by sanctioning emergency building within the present severe limitations of labour and materials; by recourse to whatever other supplementary accommodation can be made available, including beds in Emergency Hospitals; and by endeavouring to remedy shortages of staff required to bring additional beds into commission. During last year a net increase of some 1,500 beds was secured by these means.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the Minister aware that in Greater London patients have to wait for weeks for admission to the sanatoria, and has he asked the Service Departments whether they have any surplus beds?
§ Mr. WillinkI am well aware, as I said in my original reply, that there is a shortage. We are doing all we can and I will look into the question of whether further use can be made of beds at the disposal of the Service Departments.