§ 2. Dr. Santo Jegerasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that it is proposed after 5th July to require tuberculosis patients to draw their allowances from post offices; and whether, in view of the recognised necessity for maintaining close contact between these people and their local tuberculosis care committees and the undesirability of asking tuberculosis patients to stand in queues with the general public, he will make it possible for them to receive their payments through the care committees.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsAssistance under the National Assistance Act to persons undergoing treatment for tuberculosis will in the great majority of cases be paid in supplementation of sickness benefit under the National Insurance Act which is normally payable by orders cashable at a post office. It is not essential for the patient to attend personally at the post office. If he signs the order he can authorise someone else to cash it on his behalf.
§ Dr. JegerHas the right hon. Gentleman given adequate consideration to the other points in my Question, particularly the point about maintaining contact between the patients and the care committees?
§ Mr. GriffithsYes, Sir, but this matter falls to be considered by the Assistance Board as one of administration. They have received a very representative deputation with whom these problems were discussed. If the hon. Member would like to discuss the matter further with me, I should be happy to do so.
§ Commander NobleCan the Minister give an assurance that his first answer will be widely circulated, because some people do not know about this?
§ Mr. GriffithsYes, Sir.