The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. Rankin:99. To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the inability which insured persons, suffering from tuberculosis and who are recommended for institutional treatment, have in obtaining such treatment; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the necessary additional sanatorium and hospital services will be provided.
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. You have omitted Question 99.
§ Mr. SpeakerI was told that No. 99 had been postponed.
§ Mr. RankinNo, Mr. Speaker; No. 100.
§ Mr. BuchananYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend and I are aware of the long waiting lists of the local authorities, who are responsible for the provision of institutional treatment for both insured and other persons suffering from tuberculosis. As I indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Hubbard) on 20th November last, the shortage of nurses is the main difficulty, and in consultation with our colleagues we are actively engaged in trying to solve it.
§ Commander GalbraithCan the hon.. Gentleman say how many persons are now awaiting admission to sanatoria?
§ Mr. BuchananThe number of cases on the waiting list at 30th September was 1,703 for the whole of Scotland including fully 1,000 for Glasgow.