HC Deb 09 April 1919 vol 114 cc2029-30
75. Sir SAMUEL SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of beds in Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospitals provided by private individuals or private subscription for officers and men during the War; and whether he can give any estimate of the amount saved the public by the provision of rent-free houses and partial upkeep of these hospitals by private effort?

Captain GUEST

Including those provided in hospitals assisted by the Red Cross and those provided by private individuals independently, the total number of beds was well over 80,000. I have no means of estimating what additional cost, beyond the grants made from Army funds to these hospitals, would have fallen upon the public if these beds had not been so provided, but the amount would have been large. The assistance rendered is very fully appreciated.