HC Deb 10 November 1919 vol 121 cc72-3W
Lieut.-Colonel RAW

asked the Minister of Health when the Report of the Special Committee on Tuberculosis in ex-Service Men will be considered, as the matter is one of great urgency?

Dr. ADDISON

The Report referred to has already received careful consideration by the Departments concerned, and an announcement of the increased capital Grant with a view to stimulating the rapid provision of additional sanatorium and hospital accommodation for the treatment of tuberculosis was issued on the 3rd instant. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the announcement. A scheme for the immediate provision at existing sanatoria of facilities for the training of tuberculous ex-Service men in suitable occupations has also been prepared by my Department, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on this subject in a few days.

Mr. FINNEY

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention, has been called to a resolution passed by Birmingham and other insurance committees, urging that all institutional treatment required for the treatment of men suffering from tuberculosis attributable to or aggravated by service with His Majesty's Forces be provided by the naval or military authorities; that the men be retainded in the Service whilst undergoing treatment and for so long as there is a reasonable prospect of improvement in health; and whether, in view of the urgency of these cases and the large number of civilians awaiting residential treatment, he can state that immediate steps are being taken to deal with the matter?

Dr. ADDISON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The course suggested was considered by the Inter-departmental Committee on Tuberculosis appointed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pension and myself, but for the reasons given in paragraph 6 of their Report the Committee were unable to concur in the suggestion. I may add that immediate steps are being taken with a view to a large addition to the amount of accommodation available for the residential treatment both of ex-Service men and of civilians suffering from tuberculosis, and an announcement of the increased capital Grant for this purpose was made on the 3rd instant. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the announcement.