HC Deb 15 February 1949 vol 461 cc953-4
59. Mr. Donner

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that several thousand persons suffering from tuberculosis cannot receive adequate treatment or hope to be cured in hospitals in this country owing to the shortage of beds and/or nurses; and whether he will supply foreign exchange on request to such persons in order to enable them to be cured in Switzerland.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I am aware and am sorry that there are at present long waiting lists of patients for sanatorium treatment. I regret, however, that foreign exchange cannot be granted automatically on request to enable persons suffering from tuberculosis to go to Switzerland. The Exchange Control Medical Advisory Committee examines all applications for exchange on health grounds and advises whether the medical evidence justifies the provision of currency for treatment abroad.

Mr. Donner

How does the right hon. Gentleman justify a state of affairs in which holidaymakers can go to Switzerland but people who suffer from tuberculosis, and who cannot be cured in this country, are denied foreign exchange to go to Switzerland?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

That, of course, is not the true state of affairs.

Mr. Messer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the number of tubercular patients suitable for treatment in Switzerland does not come to several thousands?

Mr. Donner

In what particular was my supplementary question not true? Is it not true that people can go to Switzerland for holidays?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Currency is provided for people suffering from tuberculosis for whom the doctors prescribe treatment in Switzerland, and if the medical panel agrees with the evidence of the doctors.

Mr. Assheton

Is the panel allowed to take into account the fact that attention cannot be given to the patients necessarily in this country?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

It can take everything into account.