§ 46. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if, in view of increased cost of living, he will increase the grants to patients suffering from tuberculosis, and their dependants.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance (Miss Edith Pitt)The hon. Lady will be aware that the current National Assistance Regulations provide 752 for appreciably higher allowances for persons who have suffered a loss of income in order to undergo treatment for respiratory tuberculosis.
§ Mrs. MannI am aware of that, of course, but would the hon. Lady convey to the Minister the fact that a great deal of apprehension is felt in medical circles because patients are leaving the hospitals before their time in order to engage in industry merely because their dependants are inadequately provided for? As in Scotland we are about to undertake a large campaign, would she try to have the allowances increased before we start on our campaign, if possible?
§ Miss PittThe hon. Lady will be aware, I think, that the allowance is already in each case for single persons and married couples 20s. above the ordinary scale of National Assistance. As my right hon. Friend said yesterday in reply to a Question by the right hon. Member for Southwark (Mr. Isaacs), the National Assistance rates are a matter for the Board. It is for the Board to initiate any recommendations for an increase, but it does, of course, watch the position very closely.