Brigadier-General WRIGHTasked the Minister of Health whether representations have been made by county councils to have the legal right, which they do not now possess, to assist all needy orthopædic patients without regard to technical group distinctions; and, if so, whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to confer this right on them?
§ Mr. GREENWOODRepresentations on this subject have been received from one county council. I am advised that under section 14 of the Local Government Act, 1929, county councils will, as from the 1st April next, be empowered to provide all necessary hospital treatment for orthopædic patients.