§ 26. Mr. R. GWYNNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the approximate number of patients at Haslar Naval Hospital; whether there is any recreation room for the men, and, if so, what its accommodation is; whether there is any place where men are allowed to smoke indoors; whether convalescent sailors are allowed to sit or lie on the grass in the grounds; and whether easy chairs are provided for them on the grass in the grounds, and, if so, how many?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I take the opportunity of giving in some detail the arrangements at the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, for the comfort and entertainment of patients. Entertainment performances are given on five afternoons each week in the Erroll Hall. There are two large smoking sheds and six large colonnades where, as well as in the airing grounds, smoking is permitted. It is not permitted in the wards. Patients are allowed to sit and lie on the grass in the grounds, and for them there are available easy chairs, folding chairs of cane and canvas, ordinary bath chairs, Merlin chairs, spinal carriages, etc., as required, as well as numerous ordinary iron garden seats and forms at intervals throughout the grounds.
§ Mr. GWYNNECan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the approximate number of easy chairs?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am sure there are plenty of chairs.
§ Mr. GWYNNEWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire and see if there are sufficient chairs?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have made very careful inquiry.