HC Deb 09 May 1950 vol 475 cc189-90
35. Mrs. Cullen

asked the Secretary of Slate for Scotland what accommodation is available at present for treating ex-Service personnel suffering from tuberculosis in Scotland.

Mr. McNeil

There are some 4,726 beds available for respiratory tuberculosis patients, to all of which ex-Service men and women have equal title with other members of the community. In addition, the Scottish branch of the Red Cross Society own 154 beds, reserved entirely for Service and ex-Service personnel.

Mrs. Cullen

Is the Secretary of State aware that in Glasgow at present ex-Service personnel suffering from tuberculosis have to have their names added to the long waiting list of the local authority?

Mr. McNeil

I do not think that is completely true There are at least two institutions where beds for ex-Service personnel suffering from this type of disease are used However. I do not want to deny that the waiting list of ex-Service and civilian personnel suffering from this disease is disturbing.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Is not the real difficulty in this case a shortage of nurses rather than a shortage of beds?

Mr. McNeil

In regard to the general problem, that is the primary factor.