§ Sir K. WOODasked the Secretary to the Local Government Board, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether the London Insurance Committee have reported that they estimate the deficiency in their funds for sanatorium benefit will for the year 1919 amount to £38,480; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Major ASTORI am informed that certain revised Estimates of sanatorium benefit expenditure for the year 1919, considered by the London Insurance Committee at their meeting last week, show a prospective deficiency of the amount stated. The Committee's sanatorium benefit arrangements are, however, subject to the Commissioners' approval, which has not yet been given. I hope to discuss the matter with representatives of the Committee at an early date. I may add that in most of the county and county borough areas outside London expenditure on the treatment of tuberculosis amongst the population generally, in excess of the funds available under the Insurance Act, is met as to one-half out of the rates and one-half from the Exchequer.