§ 79. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if his attention has been called to cases of hardship to wives or dependants of wounded soldiers who are unable to visit their husbands in hospital when the distance is great because they are unable to pay the half railway fare which is necessary under existing Regulations; and whether he will consider the desirability of so altering the Regulations that wives or dependants can obtain one free pass instead of two passes at half-rates if it is proved that they are unable to pay the necessary sum for the journey?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe effect of the present Regulation is that, where the visit is really necessary, one relative gets free travelling between his or her home and the hospital. If the visit is voluntary, but not necessary, two full return tickets can be obtained at half-fare, on production of a voucher supplied by the medical officer-in-charge of the hospital. To assist in limiting journeys in these latter cases it is considered that visitors should pay a portion of their fare, and any further alteration of the rule is not considered desirable.
§ Mr. GWYNNEWill the hon. Gentleman answer my question: Whether, in cases where the relatives are unable to pay half-fare, the War Office will grant one free pass instead of two passes at half-rates?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have answered my hon. Friend's question. I said that any further alteration of the rule is not considered desirable.
§ Mr. GWYNNEWill the hon. Gentleman reconsider that?