HC Deb 10 December 1946 vol 431 cc974-5
52. Mr. Erroll

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what additional allowances of foreign exchange are granted to sufferers of tuberculosis who wish to go into a Swiss sanatorium for treatment.

Mr. Dalton

Medical expenses are allowed, and a subsistence allowance which varies according to the length and place of stay

Mr. Erroll

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there is no upper limit on the amount that may be so spent?

Mr. Dalton

There will certainly be an upper limit, in the sense that expenditure must be reasonable, having regard to the length of stay, the course of treatment, and so on.

Mr. Erroll

If a very long stay is necessary, will special facilities be granted?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir, providing proper medical evidence is furnished, but I must tell the hon. Member that there has been some abuse of this health travel—there has been some humbug, which is not in the interests of the country.

Mr. Piratin

As the Question refers to tuberculosis, may I ask whether this also applies to other illnesses?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir, if it can be shown that Switzerland is so much better than other places, but do not let us crab our own country too much.