§ MR. JAMES STUARTasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether his attention has been called to the alleged increased expenditure of the Metropolitan Asylums Board for the year ending Lady Day 1884 of £187,330 (exclusive of that in repayment of loans), as compared with the year ending Lady Day 1880; and, whether he will direct a thorough investigation of the expenditure of the Metropolitan Asylums Board, and to give instructions for an exhaustive report thereupon?
MR. GEORGE RUSSELLThe accounts of the managers of the Metropolitan Asylums District show that, comparing the year ended Lady Day, 1884, with, the year ended on the same day in 1880, the expenditure, excluding expenditure out of loans, had increased by £187,000. Without going into the 878 details of the expenditure, it may be observed that since 1880 an asylum for 900 imbecile patients at Darenth has been erected, three hospital ships for small-pox patients have been provided, the North-Western Hospital has been opened, and wharves and ambulance stations have been established. There has also been a large expenditure on alterations and additions at the smallpox and fever hospitals since the date of the Report of the Royal Commission, with the view of diminishing any risk of spread of disease from the hospitals, and also a considerable increase in the payments in respect of principal and interest of loans.
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONasked the President of the Local Government Board, If the Local Government Board has received a copy of the Report of a Sub-Committee of the Managers of the Metropolitan Asylums Board, and of the notes of evidence taken by such Committee in an investigation into the expenditure of the Metropolitan Asylums Board upon the Eastern Hospital of that Board; and, if so, whether the Local Government Board will order an inquiry to be conducted into all matters relating to such expenditure?
MR. GEORGE RUSSELLWe have received a copy of the Report of the Committee of the managers of the Metropolitan Asylums District as to their investigation into the expenditure on the Eastern Hospital, and of the notes of the evidence. The investigation extended over 10 days, and the evidence, which is very voluminous, was only received by the Board three days ago. The subject is now under the consideration of the Board, and no decision as to the course to be taken has as yet been arrived at by my right hon. Friend.