HC Deb 02 May 1955 vol 540 cc1332-3
19. Mr. Shurmer

asked the Minister of Health how many tuberculosis cases from the Birmingham Regional Hospital Area and the City of Birmingham, respectively, are now in sanatoria in Switzerland.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I understand that the figures are ten under the National Health Service, of whom three are from the City of Birmingham.

Mr. Shurmer

Is the Minister aware that in the Midland region there are at present over 500 people waiting admission to sanatoria, including 322 from Birmingham? In view of the fact that so small a number has been sent to the Swiss sanatoria and the Minister has now indicated that the scheme is closing down in the autumn, will he consider keeping the scheme open until every man and woman who needs treatment in a sanatorium and is unable to get there shall have that treatment in Switzerland?

Mr. Macleod

I should like to look at the figures the hon. Member has given, which are at variance with those in my possession. It is extremely difficult to make up the parties which go to the sanatoria. In the most recent party, which left on 27th April, there were two patients from the region which the hon. Member has mentioned, and they were the only two who were recommended as suitable by the consultants concerned.

Mr. Shurmer

In view of the fact that there are 900 patients who are mainly in the early stages of the disease or are people whose treatment has already reached a stage where six months rest would be particularly suitable in advancing recovery, why is it that many of these patients, who are still waiting admission to sanatoria, cannot go out to Switzerland? Is the Minister aware that I have had a scheme for five years whereby 32 boys went out there for six months? Is he aware that the education authority was afterwards able to dispense with special schools and send them to the ordinary schools, and that 90 per cent. of them benefited from this treatment? Why are the sanatoria now being closed?

Mr. Macleod

I have explained the matter in my original statement. I have said that it is becoming extremely difficult to get suitable patients for these sanatoria and that the only two recommended from the region the hon. Member mentioned have been taken.