HC Deb 26 October 1949 vol 468 c1312
25. Mr. W. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why owners of rubber estates in Malaya are charged for each of their labourers admitted to Government hospitals, although mining labourers are treated free in the third-class wards.

Mr. Creech Jones

It is only in the State of Perak that mining labourers are treated free in third-class wards of Government hospitals. As the history of this concession is somewhat complicated I will, with the hon. Member's permission, write to him about it.

Mr. Fletcher

Is there any chance of this very curious and irritating anomaly being put right?

Mr. Creech Jones

I very much hope so.

Mr. Piratin

Do the words in the Question "third-class wards" also mean third-class attention?

Major Tufton Beamish

Do not be silly.

Mr. Piratin

Well, what do they mean?