§ Mr. S. HASTINGSasked the Minister of Health if he can give any estimate as to the result of the provision of free treatment by the State has had on the incidence of venereal disease; and whether, if the result has been good, he intends to adopt similar methods for free treatment for other diseases?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThe information in my possession tends to show that the incidence of these diseases is declining and that the provision of free treatment has undoubtedly contributed to that result. As my hon. Friend is aware, there are certain features of these diseases which differentiate them from other communicable maladies and which render the provision of free treatment especially desirable in the interests of the community. I could not undertake, within the limits of question and answer, to discuss the expediency of adopting similar methods for other diseases.