16. Mr. TALBOTasked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the report of the coroner's inquest on the death of the officer commanding the military hospital at Hemel Hempsted for venereal diseases; whether he is aware that evidence given at the inquest disclosed a state of laxity of discipline in the hospital; will he state whether any and what steps he proposes to take to protect the inhabitants of the district from the dangers to which they have been and are exposed by what has happened; and will he consider the desirability of moving the hospital to a more isolated neighboar hood?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am aware of the facts of this case. I regret to say that a recent inspection of the hospital revealed that the administration was seriously at fault, and the supersession of the late commanding officer was recommended by the inspecting officer. At the previous inspection in August, just before Colonel Parry took over command, the state of the hospital was found quite satisfactory. A capable officer has now been placed in charge, and it is anticipated that there will be an immediate improvement in the conditions. With regard 216 to the latter part of the question, there is no danger to the inhabitants from ordinary social intercourse with those of the inmates who are allowed out of such hospitals. This hospital could not be moved to another district without incurring considerable expense and giving rise to similar protests in any new area proposed, and I regret I cannot agree to such a course.
Mr. TALBOTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in consequence of a deputation of the local bodies and the county council that an undertaking was given by a commanding officer at the War Office that steps should be taken to restrict the patients within bounds? In view of that undertaking, cannot the right hon. Gentleman take steps that there shall be restriction?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir, I cannot. I am not aware of any such undertaking having been given. I am not sure that it would be proper to give such an undertaking. The patients are not criminals. I cannot remove the hospital. The same objections would be entertained to its being placed anywhere else.
§ Major NALLWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire why the next highest authority failed to discover the state of affairs?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is not on the Paper. As I say, the inspection in August was satisfactory. The laxity of administration arose at a later period.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, I will make inquiry about that.