§ 7. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will say how many merchant ships have been converted to fixed naval hospital ships, and are still acting as such in these islands and also abroad; and whether he can state the objection to erecting huts on shore so as to release tonnage?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)None of the merchant ships taken up as naval hospital ships are being used as fixed hospital ships. The whole question of the possibility of releasing naval hospital ships has been most carefully considered by the Board of Admiralty in close conjunction with the Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet, and it has been decided that the number now employed cannot be reduced or superseded by huts on shore without materially interfering with the efficiency of the Fleet and the proper care of the sick and wounded officers and men.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs not my right hon. Friend relying on a verbal trick of words in saying that none of these ships are fixed ships, and is it not the case that some have remained in position for from two to two and a half years?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo, I am not relying upon a verbal trick. I am advised, as I say, that the matter has been carefully gone into, and I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend would be the last to desire to disregard naval opinion in a matter of this sort.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWhy cannot these men be looked after just as well on shore as on a ship, as is the case with soldiers?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWell, I have given the view of the naval authorities on the matter.