asked the Minister for Health if he will consider raising the allowance for domestic help under the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations as the present allowance of 17/- a week is inadequate.

These allowances are not intended to meet the full cost of the domestic help. In the case of a married woman patient with a young family whom the allowance is mainly intended to benefit, the husband is expected to contribute towards the cost of the help employed. The patient is entitled to treatment free of charge, regardless of means.

I do not feel that I would be justified in increasing the allowance at present.