HC Deb 07 August 1912 vol 41 cc3177-8W
Mr. JAMES MASON

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the administration of the National Insurance Act, preference will be given to schemes incorporating, existing approved sanatoria rather than to schemes which arrange for new sanatoria in the same locality?

Mr. BURNS

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Local Government Board have urged upon local authorities the importance of utilising existing institutions so far as practicable.

Mr. JAMES MASON

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the administration of the National Insurance Act, in the event of an existing sanatorium being utilised, a Grant would be made in return for all beds put at the disposal of the insurance committees, or only for the purpose of entirely new accommodation?

Mr. BURNS

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The main object of the capital Grant is to stimulate the provision of additional sanatoria, and I am not prepared to specify the particular circumstances in which an application for a Grant in respect of an existing institution would be entertained.

Mr. LUNDON

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether county insurance commit tens, appointed for the purpose of sanatorium benefit, etc., will have anything to do with the election of tuberculosis medical officers or nurses which may be required for the carrying through of the scheme?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Tuberculosis officers and nurses attached to tuberculosis dispensaries will usually be appointed by the county or county borough councils, and not by the insurance committees.

Mr. MILDMAY

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether a seaman in His Majesty's Navy now at the Royal Naval Hospital, Devonport, and about to be discharged from the service as tuberculous, will be entitled, under the National Insurance Act, to sanatorium treatment?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Provision is made by Section 46 of the Act whereby a seaman in His Majesty's Navy, discharged in the circumstances indicated in the question, may become entitled to the ordinary benefits of the Act, including sanatorium benefit, assuming that he was previously liable to have deductions made from his pay under Section 46.