HC Deb 07 March 1955 vol 538 cc1-2
1. Mr. G. Williams

asked the Minister of Health how many British patients are now being treated for tuberculosis in Swiss sanatoria under the National Health Scheme.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Iain Macleod)

One hundred and forty from England and Wales.

Mr. Williams

In view of the unqualified success of the scheme and the comparatively small cost involved, and in order to prevent the spreading of the infection in this country, will my right hon. Friend consider sending more patients to Switzerland?

Mr. Macleod

We review the scheme from year to year, and it is due for review in September. The main reason for the scheme was the long waiting lists in this country, but they have been very dramatically reduced in recent years, so much so that from time to time now it is almost difficult to take up the present allocation.