§ 24. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Health whether, while realising present-day difficulties, he will inquire into the circumstances which culminated in the death of Mr. Hopper, of 23, Greencourt Road, Petts Wood, Kent, as typical of the present inadequate treatment and accommodation for persons suffering from tuberculosis; and will he send the hon. Member for Chislehurst a copy of the Report.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Willink)Yes, Sir. I am looking into the case, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Sir W. SmithersIn view of the inability of the Minister to provide accommodation for such cases, has the right hon. and learned Gentleman any powers to give any compensation to the wife?
§ Mr. WillinkMy inquiries are not completed, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when they are.
§ Sir W. SmithersOn a point of Order. I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.
§ 25. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Health the percentage figure of increased incidence of tuberculosis since the outbreak of hostilities.
§ Mr. WillinkThe number of new cases of tuberculosis in England and Wales notified in 1943 showed an increase of 18.4 per cent. over 1939, but the number of deaths, which is considered the truest 1297 guide to the incidence of the disease, showed an increase of only 0.1 per cent. over the same period.
Viscountess AstorIs it true that all the increase of tuberculosis really came about from the mistake the Minister made at the beginning of the war by sending the tuberculosis patients back to their homes?
§ Mr. WillinkThe Noble Lady will not expect me to go into that.