HC Deb 01 May 1919 vol 115 cc298-9

The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. LUNN:

12. To ask the Pensions Minister if he is aware that the West Riding War Pensions Committee have 150 men suffering from rheumatism undergoing treatment at the Royal Baths, Harrogate; that the men are billeted in houses in the town, and that there is discontent amongst them owing to the fact that they are not treated as in-patients of an institution; and, in view of the fact that the Ministry have neglected to provide an institution or hostel at Harrogate and the approach of the season, which will make it difficult to provide accommodation and training for this class of case, he will arrange that these men in the matter of allowances shall be treated as though in an institution?

Mr. LUNN

Although this question has already been answered, I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman how the Ministry intends housing these men in the event of the landladies in Harrogate wanting their rooms immediately, as is possible?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

Negotiations are pending for the purchase of housing accommodation for these men.

Mr. LUNN

Is it not the fact that, should the rooms be required before the end of the month, the 150 men now accommodated there will be turned out?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

It is because of that that negotiations are pending for the purchase of other premises.