HC Deb 05 March 1896 vol 38 cc227-8
DR. TANNER

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the deficient hospital accommodation at Haulbowline, Cork Harbour; and, whether more modern sanitary appliances will be supplied, or what steps will be taken to remedy the present condition of affairs?

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

In reply to the hon. Member, I beg to say that no complaints have been made as to the accommodation of the Royal Naval Hospital at Haul-bowline being insufficient. At the present time there are 51 patients in the hospital, which has accommodation for 10 officers and 115 men; and as this number is much greater than usual, additional sick-berth staff have been drafted from Plymouth Hospital to supplement the nursing. No complaints as to the sanitary appliances have been received, and the last report was to the effect that the hospital throughout was clean and well cared for.

DR. TANNER

Is the hon. Member aware that the hospital has recently been, occupied by a number of men from the Flying Squadron; and also that this place was originally built for a store, and is therefore obviously unfit for hospital purposes?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I am aware that several patients from the Flying Squadron have been accommodated in the hospital, which accounts for the large number of patients at Haulbowline.

DR. TANNER

I shall raise this point on the Estimates.