HC Deb 13 November 1951 vol 493 c805
36. Mr. Steward

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will circularise local authorities with a view to ensuring that adequate priority is being given to housing applicants who are suffering from tuberculosis, especially where children are concerned, bearing in mind that any long delay increases the chances of infection.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Local authorities have a statutory duty to give a reasonable preference to those living under unsatisfactory housing conditions, and they have been requested to give due weight to claims made on the grounds of ill health, including pulmonary tuberculosis.

Mr. Steward

Does the Minister appreciate that, although additional points are given in these cases, they do not allow for the rapid growth of this disease. especially in the case of children?

Mr. Macmillan

We are doing what we can and I will look at the matter to see if anything more can be done.