§ Dr. SALTERasked the Minister of Health the total cost of the medical services provided under the Poor Law, including the district medical and hospital services, in England and Wales; and the total cost of hospital services provided under the Public Health Acts in England and Wales for the latest available year?
Sir H. YOUNGThe estimated expenditure of Poor Law authorities in England and Wales on the treatment of persons suffering from bodily or mental infirmity in Poor Law establishments or in receipt of domiciliary relief during the year ended 31st March, 1932, was £6,770,628. Details distinguishing the cost of the district medical and hospital services will be found on page 16 of Part I of the Local Taxation Returns for England and Wales, 1931–32. The total expenditure of local authorities in England and Wales in the same year on hospital services under the Public Health Acts, including hospitals for the treatment of infectious disease, was approximately £10,750,000. Certain expenditure on hospital services was also incurred under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, but the amount cannot be precisely stated. The amounts mentioned do not include capital expenditure.