HC Deb 13 February 1913 vol 48 cc1196-7W
Sir WILLIAM BULL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of insured patients in sanatoria in England, Scotland, and Wales; whether he is aware that according to the last published list there are only 4,131 beds available; that only half are filled at present with insured patients; and how he proposes to deal with the 15,000 patients which, according to the advisory committees, now urgently require bed accommodation?

Mr. MASTERMAN

With regard to the first part of the question, I am presenting a Return giving the information desired. I do not know on what authority the hon. Member gives the figures referred to in the last three parts of the question, or to what advisory committees he refers. My right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board stated, in answer to a question on the 11th instant, that the number of available beds was 6,240, and the number is steadily increasing.

Sir WILLIAM BULL

also asked whether the benefit of 10s. a week for the dependants of consumptives, under the National Insurance Act, has been granted to the dependants of any compulsorily insured person?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on the 6th instant, to which I can add nothing at present.