20. Mr. Leslie Haleasked the Minister of Health whether any form of remedial treatment is available under the National Health Service for chronic sufferers from byssynosis; and whether he will consult with the Minister of National Insurance and the Minister of Labour, with a view to making additional provisions for these sufferers.
§ Mr. BevanThe treatment needed is not peculiar to byssynosis and is already available through the Service.
Mr. HaleIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the Lancashire cotton area there are many chronic sufferers from this disease who are seriously suffering and, because of physical limitations, cannot obtain any available treatment at all? Will he consider establishing special institutions for chronic sufferers from chronic diseases?
§ Mr. BevanI understand from my advisers that the treatment for this disease, which is peculiar to cotton operatives, is the same sort of treatment as is given for other chest diseases; but if there are not sufficient facilities available in the area to which he refers I will make further inquiries.