HC Deb 18 July 1916 vol 84 cc847-8
67. Sir A. WILLIAMSON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether after the Battle of Jutland wounded men landed at a naval base in the North were sent by rail to hospitals at Haslar and Chatham; whether a number died on the long railway journey; whether he is aware that on the day in question there were at least fifty beds vacant and held at the disposal of the military authorities within a short distance of the same naval base; and whether he will endeavour to make arrangements with the War Office to obtain temporary use of their unoccupied beds at the nearest suitable hospitals should such an emergency recur?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

The condition of all the wounded landed after the Battle of Jutland was carefully examined, and only those men were sent away by rail whose condition justified that procedure. It is not the fact that any of them died, nor is it believed that any of them suffered injury. The arrangements made by the Admiralty would have enabled them, had they thought it desirable, to have accommodated a larger number of patients in the neighbour hood of the landing places than were actually wounded. There was, therefore, no emergency, as my hon. Friend seems to suppose. The policy adopted was adopted deliberately by the Medical Department of the Admiralty, partly in the interests of sound medical administration, partly for the convenience of men who preferred to be near their depots and their homes.

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

May I ask if there is any arrangement by which wounded sailors can be sent to hospitals where beds which are reserved for the Army are empty? Is there any working arrangement between the two Departments?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have not the slightest doubt that complete harmony exists between the two Departments, and so far as these men are concerned there may be complete confidence in the Medical Director-General and his staff.

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an official at the Admiralty went to a hospital and asked whether the beds were reserved for the Army, and when they said they were, he went away again?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am not aware of it; but I will look into it. That does not affect this particular case. Every possible care is taken and there is no reason to complain in any way whatever.