65. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir J. HOPEasked the Secretary of State for War whether the New Zealand force have offered to hand over to the War Office three hospitals, each having accommodation for 2,000 beds; and whether he will consider the desirability of closing down small military hospitals, both in the interests of economy and in order that better effect may be given to the scheme of vocational training for civil life among walking patients in hospitals by their concentration in large hospitals?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. No such offer has been received by the War Office from the Dominion authorities. These authorities have, however, been requested to report the dates on which they will be vacating their hospitals in order that the War Office may have an opportunity of stating whether it is desired to take them over or not. The policy now being carried out is to close down the smaller hospitals and concentrate in the larger hospitals. This is being done both in the interests of vocational training and of economy.