HC Deb 28 November 1912 vol 44 cc1502-3W
Mr. ASTOR

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many beds will be required in the near future in sanatoria, and also how many beds will be required, in addition to Poor Law beds, in hospitals, for the treatment of consumptives in England and Wales?

Mr. BURNS

Certain figures are given in the Interim Report of the Departmental Committee on Tuberculosis, with which the hon. Member is, of course, familiar, but for reasons which are indicated in that Report the question does not admit of an exact answer.

Mr. WRIGHT

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether a joint scheme for providing sanatoria benefit in the county and boroughs of Derbyshire, Derby, and Sheffield by means inter alia of a central and branch sanatoria and dispensaries has been finally approved by his Board; and, if so, whether the three authorities concerned have in consequence of the reduction of the 1s. 3d. originally proposed for sanatoria benefit to 9d. and, it follows, of the funds now available for this purpose, decided to abandon their scheme?

Mr. BURNS

The schemes of the Derbyshire County Council and Sheffield Town Council include the provision of a joint sanatorium, and I understand that the Town Council of Derby are prepared to contract for beds at such a sanatorium. The Local Government Board approve these proposals, and I am not aware that any of the authorities have decided to abandon them.