HC Deb 15 July 1915 vol 73 cc984-5
43. Sir ARCHIBALD WILLIAMSON

asked if Private John J. Anderson, 1,126, of the Cameron Highlanders, is still in the county hospital, Bedford; whether he has been there six months; whether he is convalescent and fit to travel; and, if so, when will he be sent to his home to recuperate or to a convalescent hospital at or near his home at Nairn?

Mr. TENNANT

I am informed that Private Anderson was admitted to the county hospital at Bedford on 11th January and that he is still there. He is fit to travel, and instructions were issued several days ago for his transfer to the Scottish General Hospital, Aberdeen.

44. Sir A. WILLIAMSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, as the relatives of many Highland soldiers cannot afford the journey to the South, he will endeavour to arrange that convalescent soldiers belonging to the North of Scotland shall, as far as practicable, be sent to convalescent hospitals in the North in the place of convalescent Belgians, whose relatives would prefer them to be in the South?

Mr. TENNANT

Endeavours are being made to find a suitable place in the North for the establishment of a convalescent hospital.

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are three hospitals in Morayshire chiefly occupied by Belgian soldiers? Is it not more suitable to send Scottish soldiers there?

Mr. TENNANT

I think that probably it would be if the accommodation were sufficient. It ought to be a fairly large establishment to be taken over by the Government.

Mr. COWAN

Does the right hon. Gentleman take into account that these Scottish soldiers did not do well in the South?

Mr. TENNANT

I am aware of the peculiarities of my countrymen, but I was not aware that that was one.