HC Deb 17 April 1914 vol 61 cc474-6W
Mr. ASTOR

asked the President of the Local Government Board if any Poor Law infirmaries give or have recently given treatment of non-pauper patients; and, if so, whether any charge has been made for such treatment?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Cases are occasionally admitted to Poor Law infirmaries of persons who would not ordinarily be regarded as "paupers." Accident cases in particular are often admitted because the need of treatment is urgent, and there is no other hospital at hand. As regards the last part of the question, boards of guardians are empowered to recover, and do recover, the cost of treatment when the person relieved, or those liable for his support, are able to pay.

Mr. ASTOR

asked what sanitary authorities have, during the last three years for which figures are available, provided treatment for puerperal fever, erysipelas, scabies, pediculosis, whooping-cough, and measles?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I have not sufficient information for a reply to this question.

Mr. ASTOR

asked how many public health authorities provide gratuitously anti-toxin serum for diphtheria, and how many do not make such provision?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

A large number of local authorities now provide antitoxin gratuitously, but I cannot give the exact number.

Mr. ASTOR

asked the number of district medical officers in England and Wales last year?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The number is 3,761.

Mr. ASTOR

asked how many Poor Law infirmaries have maternity wards?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

One hundred and seventy-seven Poor Law infirmaries have maternity wards. Maternity cases elsewhere are treated in special wards at the workhouses.

Mr. ASTOR

asked if any and, if so, how many public health authorities have provided baths and disinfecting chambers for the cleansing and purifying of the bodies and clothing of persons infested with vermin or parasites?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Some local authorities have provided cleansing stations, but I have no information as to the actual number.