Mr. CAWLEYasked whether district insurance committees have power at their own discretion to allow special nourishment to tuberculous persons discharged from sanatoria, or whether such nourishment can only be allowed when a tuberculosis officer recommends it for assisting the restoration of working capacity in other than hopeless cases?
Mr. BENNThe powers and duties of district insurance committees in connection with the administration of sanatorium benefit are determined by the scheme adopted for the area in accordance with Section 59 of the National Insurance Act, 1911, and the Regulations made there-under. Generally speaking, accessories in the form of special nourishment may be afforded to insured persons in receipt of domiciliary treatment where recommended on medical grounds. As the hon. Member is aware, however, it is the duty of the insurance committee to provide treatment and not to relieve destitution.