HC Deb 04 November 1948 vol 457 cc1016-7
33. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that regional hospital boards are unable to pay for the treatment of tuberculous cases in Switzerland as was previously the practice of some county and county borough councils before the National Health Service Act came into operation; and whether, in view of the deficiency of beds in this country for the treatment of tuberculosis, he will make it possible for regional boards to provide treatment abroad when desirable.

Mr. Bevan

I have no power to make it possible for regional boards to do this or to authorise expenditure of this kind.

Mr. Greenwood

In order that it may not be possible to say that tuberculosis patients are worse off under the new scheme than previously, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of legislation at a later stage?

Mr. Bevan

I cannot agree that they are worse off. I think that is a gross exaggeration. If it be the case that there are further forms of treatment that can be given in other countries, the remedy is not to send our people to other countries, but to make that form of treatment available here.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is it not a fact that since this has been taken over by the National Health Service, county councils and county boroughs have stopped sending these cases to Switzerland, and why is it that the present authorities cannot carry out this function?

Mr. Bevan

I have already answered the Question. I do not accept the statement that there are forms of treatment available elsewhere that we are not able to provide here. Certainly it is undesirable that we should spend large sums of money in sending patients abroad.

Mr. Edward Evans

May I ask the Minister if it would not be proper to use voluntary funds in order to have the facilities made available?

Mr. Bevan

That is another question, and it may involve matters of exchange rather than the actual use of money here.

Mr. Molson

In view of the fact that there is an advisory committee to consider whether to make foreign currency available for sick persons to obtain treatment overseas, are we to understand from a Minister of the Crown that that committee has been told not to grant further applications?

Mr. Bevan

What I said was that the regional boards have not the power under the National Health Act to provide the money. But I believe there is a committee which works in conjunction with the Treasury and considers whether hardship cases can be sent abroad. But that is another matter. It rests with the Treasury and not with me.

Mr. John Lewis

When my right hon. Friend refers to forms of treatment, will he bear in mind that the climate of Switzerland is regarded as being a form of treatment?

Mr. Bevan

That is a matter for medical opinion and not for me. In that case I must rely upon the advice I am given.

Mr. Greenwood

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that there is in fact a serious shortage of beds for the treatment of tuberculosis cases and of nurses to handle tuberculosis patients and that if some patients could be sent abroad, it would be a great relief.

Mr. Bevan

There is no serious shortage of beds—[Interruption.] If hon. Members will permit me to say so, the most serious shortage is the shortage of staff. We are doing our best to recruit staff, and it is far better for us to use our energies in this direction at the present time.