§ Mr. Prittasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the number of persons awaiting sanatoria treatment for tuberculosis is about 5,000 and the number of beds normally available, but at 1645W present out of use owing to shortage of staff, is about 3,000; that there are available and idle in displaced persons camps in Europe not less than 2,000 persons able and willing to undertake this work, who could be brought here to do this work temporarily; and whether he will arrange with the other Departments concerned. to bring them here.
§ Mr. BevanI am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the Question, and all possible measures to remedy the shortage of staff are being taken by my officers and those of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service. The importation of displacedpersons for this work is under consideration, but it is not without difficulty, and I cannot, of course, say how many would be available.