§ Mr. BLACKasked the Minister of Health whether, in the interests of the health of the community, he will arrange to give a grant of 50 per cent. on the net cost of bacteriological examinations of specimens forwarded by medical practitioners to the medical officers of local authorities, with an arrangement with the authorities that the cost shall be recovered in cases where the patients are able to Pay?
Mr. GREENWOODMedical practitioners can generally now obtain from local authorities reports on bacteriological examinations of specimens forwarded in cases where the diagnosis of venereal disease, tuberculosis or acute infectious diseases is in question. The expense of such examination is in most cases defrayed by the local authorities. My right hon. Friend will be prepared when time admits to consider the arguments for or against an extension of the existing facilities.