The Franchise debate was interrupted on Thursday by a motion
by Mr. Grant for the adjournment of the House in order to call attention to the backward state of the prepara- tions for the administration of the sanatorium benefit. As it is admitted that the sanatoria are not ready, we feel strongly in favour of the suggestion of Mr. Astor that the benefit should be postponed for six months, and that the Government should substitute the maternity benefit. Mr. Masterman, in reply, insisted that the sanatorium benefit would be at once available. A sum of £220,000 had been set aside for the treatment and cure of consumption in the next six months. On a division the Government obtained a majority of 111 (259-148). We greatly fear that in the condition of con- fusion and hugger-mugger now prevailing the quarter of a million may be very largely wasted. Our only hope is that the Government and the County Committees will not, without proper consideration, plunge into huge building schemes. In our opinion wherever building is necessary it should be of a light and temporary character. Experience, however, of municipal and Government bricks and mortar makes it far more likely that we shall be committed to grandiose and extravagant buildings which will be both costly and unsuit- able, and, of course, hideous.
Previous page
