§ 35. Mr. Messerasked the Minister of Health the nature of the recommendations from his advisory committee on tuberculosis as to the exclusion of chronic cases of pulmonary tuberculosis from the scheme of financial allowances under Memorandum 266/T; and what action he proposes to take thereon.
§ Mr. WillinkI assume that the hon. Member refers to my Standing Advisory Committee on Tuberculosis which, in September, 1943, urged a modification of the instruction to tuberculosis authorities that the tuberculosis allowances were not payable in cases where treatment cannot do more than alleviate a chronic condition. It has not been possible to accept this recommendation because these allowances have been paid under emergency powers with the object of restoring the capacity for work of persons suffering from tuberculosis. Allowances could not be paid in chronic cases under these powers, but as the hon. Member is aware provision for disability, including that arising from tuberculosis and without the limitation in question, forms part of the proposed National Insurance Scheme.
§ Mr. MesserIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, the Tuberculosis Association, and all those bodies actively engaged in this work, believe that his scheme is weakened by its limitations?
§ Mr. WillinkThat, apart from committing myself to all the associations to which the hon. Member has referred, I know is the opinion of many competent folk, but I have explained that there was no legislation which enabled this to be done. All that could be done under the Emergency Powers was done and we hope to do better under the National Insurance Scheme.
Mr. McNeilHas the right hon. and learned Gentleman considered the recommendations of the authors of the Medical Research Council Report on miniature radiography; and will he now commit himself to the viewpoint that the allowance should be paid, whether or not the people are fit to go back to work?
§ Mr. WillinkI have considered that Report, and it will most certainly be taken into account. Further, I cannot go at the moment.