§ Mr. W. PEELasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that the soldier does not receive free medical attendance, in view of the fact that while he is in hospital 7d. per diem is deducted from his pay, his ration allowance, 6d. per diem, is stopped, and he loses the benefit of messing allowance, 3d. per diem, making a total charge of 1s. 4d. per day against an average charge for subsistence per patient per day estimated to be 11¼d.; and whether, in view of the fact that the soldier receives no benefits under the Insurance Bill while serving, he will consider the desirability of either abolishing hospital stoppages or reducing them to at least one-third of the present rate?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Tennant)My right hon. and learned Friend undertook in Debate on the Insurance Bill on 7th November to give an opportunity for adequate discussion of the whole question of hospital stoppages on Army Estimates next Session. I cannot now add anything to the statements made during the discussion of this matter in the Insurance Bill Debates.
§ Mr. PEELWill the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that he will thoroughly consider the whole matter before the Estimates are discussed next year?
§ Mr. TENNANTDuring the discussion on the Estimates.
§ Mr. PEELI will give notice that I will raise the question on the Estimates. Will there be opportunity for discussing it?
§ Mr. TENNANTI hope so—ample opportunity.