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129
The Departmental Committee on Tuberculosis suggested
that it should be considered whether some of these
institutions should not be provided by the Metropolitan
Asylums Board; and the Board have been informed that the
Asylums Board would be prepared to undertake the work,
and that if authorized to do so they could at once arrange
for the reception of a considerable number of cases.
Having regard, however, to the fact that the London
Insurance Committee are precluded by the terms of the
National Insurance Act from entering into arrangements
with the Metropolitan Asylums Board for the reception
of insured persons suffering from tuberculosis, legislation
would be required before the suggestion of the Departmental
Committee could be carried out.
After careful consideration the Government have
arrived at the conclusion that it would be impracticable
to obtain such legislation in the near future, and the
Board, therefore, suggest that the London County Council
should act in this matter.
It is desirable that the accommodation which is
required should be made available at the earliest possible
date, and the County Council will no doubt put themselves
in communication with the Metropolitan Asylums Board
and other bodies who may have suitable vacant accommodation
which could be ter porarily utilized without
unnecessary expense. As the County Council are no doubt
aware the Metropolitan Borough Councils are taking steps
to provide dispensaries.—I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
F. J. Willis, Assistant Secretary.
The letter was referred to the Public Health Committee,
which has the whole matter under consideration, but as
regards uninsured persons it will probably devolve on the
local authority to make arrangements for sanatorium treatment
if it thinks fit.
I