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72
Without for one moment doubting the prime
necessity for, and great value of, specific anti-tuberculosis
machinery in the form of dispensaries and sanatoria,
the suggestion does arise from the foregoing considerations
as to whether additional progress could not be
made in combating tuberculosis by dealing more
directly with its economic aspect. This is particularly
felt in a district like Bethnal Green. Patients are
deterred from obtaining early advice and treatment
because they fear to risk their means of livelihood.
Even when their condition is diagnosed they are often
debarred from taking advantage of treatment facilities
because of the loss of earnings involved. Again, where
the patient has had a period of sanatorium treatment,
he often has to return to conditions of employment and
housing which soon undo the benefits he has derived
from his treatment.
It has been urged, with a view to meeting these
difficulties, that the tuberculous should be granted an
adequate allowance during incapacity, partial or
complete. Participation in employment schemes under
sheltered conditions has also been suggested, and would
be valuable as facilitating more prolonged treatment
and supervision of the convalescent: while, in suitable
selected cases, greater facilities for settlement in
colonies of the Papworth type, combining remunerative
employment with proper housing conditions, would
undoubtedly be of great benefit.
Proposals on these lines were submitted on behalf
of the Tuberculosis Sub-Committee at a Conference of
London Borough Tuberculosis Care Committees in
November and adopted by the Conference. The result
of their consideration by the London County Council
is not known.