asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many allowances under the Tuberculosis Allowances Scheme have ceased to become payable in Edinburgh and in Scotland, respectively, because of recovery, and because of death.

Up to 31st March, 1947, the number of persons in Edinburgh ceasing to receive allowances under this scheme because of recovery was 150, and because of death 11. For all Scotland, the corresponding figures are 2,930 and 1,060.

In view of the chronic nature of the disease of applicants for allowances under this scheme, do not these figures reveal a very cruel anomaly, and will the Secretary of State look into this matter with a view to removing that anomaly?

The whole question of tuberculosis allowances is being considered in association with the new health services that are to be brought into operation under the Health Service Act which was passed by the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for allowances under the Tuberculosis Allowances Scheme have been granted in Edinburgh since its inception; and how many have been refused because of means, and because of the chronic nature of the disease.

From the beginning of the Tuberculosis Allowances Scheme in Edinburgh on 30th June, 1943, up to 31st March. 1947, 362 applicants were granted allowances, 51 applications were refused on financial grounds, and 230 refused because of the chronic nature of the disease.

Do not these figures, taken together with the figures given in answer to the previous Question, show how cruelly this scheme operates and, although it is under consideration, is there nothing which the Minister can do meanwhile to remove some of these injustices?

I do not admit that the scheme operates cruelly. I claim that, in view of the purpose for which the scheme was inaugurated, the figures which I have given prove that it has been a remarkable success.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is cruel that a person suffering from tuberculosis should be told that his condition is so serious that he is not eligible for a grant; and in view of the fact that the number involved is small and the additional cost will not be great, will not he review this matter?

I have already indicated that the whole matter is being reviewed in view of the fact that the House as passed, both for England and Scotland, a new Health Service Act which makes it possible to review the whole situation so far as this scheme and other schemes associated with health administration are concerned.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.