§ 14. Mr LUNNasked the Pensions Minister if his attention has been called to the men's discontent with the general conditions prevailing at the King's Lancashire Convalescent Home, Blackpool; and, if so, what steps he intends to take to remedy the same?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am aware that discontent has been expressed by some of the men sent to this military hospital. I expect to take over the hospital shortly and meanwhile have informed the local committee concerned that they should arrange for the removal of those who are discontented and should, for the future, obtain the consent of a man whom they propose to send there.
§ Mr. LUNNMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it would not be much better to improve the conditions locally than to send away the discontented men?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI have no jurisdiction over a military hospital until I take it over, and in the meanwhile I can only do what I have said. I must not be taken to admit that the conditions there are not quite satisfactory.
§ Mr. LUNNIs he not aware that it is admitted by the officer in charge that the facilities and comforts are far from being satisfactory?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo. I am not aware of that. On the contrary, my medical officers report that this hospital is an extremely good hospital. The difficulty has arisen owing to sending discharged men to the hospital that is under military discipline, and it is that difficulty that I am trying to remove.