HC Deb 19 February 1855 vol 136 cc1511-2
MR. WATSON

said, he had a question of great importance to put to the noble Lord at the head of the Government, namely, what measures had been taken or were in progress for the removal of the convalescents or the patients capable of re- moval, in the hospitals at Scutari or in the Crimea, to England, or to some of our Mediterrancan colonies, for the perfect restoration of their health?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

A Commission was sent out by the noble Duke who held the office of Secretary of State for the War Department, to inquire into the condition of the hospitals, to recommend such measures as they might think right and proper, and to report, not merely to the Government at home, but to Lord Raglan; and Lord Raglan was requested to act on those recommendations without delay. It is the intention of my noble Friend at the head of the War Department to make arrangements for a periodical service between Constantinople and the Crimea on the one hand, and England on the other, for the purpose of bringing home such invalids as are in a condition to be transported by sea, and arrangements will be made for their reception in proper and suitable hospitals on their arrival here.