HC Deb 07 March 1929 vol 226 cc591-2W
Mr. W. BENNETT

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will explain why the application for a special bed rest for Frederick A. Keeble, late private, No. 241,596, Royal West Kent Regiment, of 37, Mallinson Road, Battersea, was refused although the tuberculosis medical officer was of opinion that it was urgently required; and on what grounds it was decided that a bed rest was unnecessary or that an ordinary chair with a cushion made a satisfactory bed rest and that, if the tuberculosis officer thought otherwise, the bed rest should be supplied by the local authority?

Major TRYON

Arrangements for all forms of treatment of tuberculosis are the responsibility of the local health authority, but the Ministry supplements them on occasion in cases of home treatment by the supply of a special appliance if certified by Ministry advisers to be essential for the treatment of the case. An air cushion and bath chair had actually been supplied by the Ministry in this case, but the provision of the article referred to in the question could not be so certified.