16. Dr. Stressasked the Minister of Health how many beds are now available in Stoke-on-Trent for the treatment of Pneumoconiosis and its complications, other than tuberculosis; and whether he will make a statement on the efficacy of this provision.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonTwenty-four beds are available, and my information indicates that this is fully adequate.
§ Dr. StrossIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I did not ask him whether it was adequate? I asked about the efficacy of this new form of treatment. Am I right in believing that it is spectacularly good in many cases? If that be so, can the hon. Gentleman say what steps the Ministry will take to see that this provision is made more widespread and available to other areas where the problem of pneumoconiosis and its complications exists?
§ Mr. ThompsonI took the hon. Gentleman's question to refer to the adequacy of the provision of beds, meaning the actual number of beds. Regarding the adequacy of the treatment, which appears to have been the point raised by the hon. Gentleman, I have every reason to believe that it is successful; but I should like to look into that matter and write to the hon. Gentleman about it.