asked the Minister for Health if he will state (i) how many new cases of tuberculosis came under his notice in 1948; (ii) how many new beds were provided; and (iii) how many cases are now awaiting sanatorium or hospital accommodation.

The number of new cases of tuberculosis treated by health authorities in the year 1948 is not yet available. The figure for 1947 is 5,942, which includes pulmonary and non-pulmonary cases.

682 additional beds were provided for tuberculosis patients during 1948.

According to returns furnished to me by health authorities, approximately 1,000 cases were awaiting institutional accommodation under tuberculosis schemes on 31st January, 1949.