HC Deb 14 April 1921 vol 140 cc1323-4W
Mr. R. YOUNG

asked the Minister of Health whether any decision has yet been reached in relation to the request of a large number of approved societies for a minimum allowance of 5s. per member per annum to ensure efficient administration on the part of the approved societies; whether any increased allowance is to be made; and, if so, from what date is it to be paid?

Sir A. MOND

The Departmental Committee to which this question was referred, has completed its investigations, and is now preparing its Report. Until I receive the Report I am not in a position to make any announcement, but the hon. Member may rest assured that I shall do so as soon as possible.

Sir C. MARKS

asked the Minister of Health if he can give the total number of persons receiving medical benefit; the amount paid to them the first week in March, 1921, and the corresponding week in 1920; and the total number of persons in sanatoriums or institutions for the treatment of tuberculosis for the first week in March, 1921, and the corresponding week in 1920?

Sir A. MOND

The number of persons in England and Wales entitled to medical benefit is approximately 12,750,000. I regret that no figures are available of the number of insured persons actually receiving

  1. (a) medical treatment and
  2. (b) cash benefits
in particular weeks. The total number of insured persons in England and Wales who were receiving treatment for tuberculosis in sanatoria or other institutions was 8,922 on the 1st March, 1921, and 8,754 on the 1st March, 1920. The actual number of non-insured persons receiving such treatment on those dates is not available, but the total number of beds available for non-insured and insured persons in approved institutions for the treatment of tuberculosis was 17,894 on the 1st March, 1921, and 16,432 on the 1st March, 1920.