§ 72. Mr. WIGNALLasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a large number of soldiers still in hospital at a distance from their homes are without the necessary means to enable them on occasion to visit their families, and that members of their families, for the same reason, are unable to visit the hospitals; and whether he will make representations in the proper quarter with a view to these men or their families being granted travelling facilities at cheap rates?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. In certain circumstances, soldiers so placed are enabled to travel at single fare for the return journey. As I have previously explained, the special facilities for relatives to visit hospitals, granted during the War, have been discontinued and a return made to the ordinary peace practice.
§ Mr. WIGNALLWho has the authority or the right to refuse cheap facilities for these people to visit their husbands or relatives in hospital?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe railway companies will not carry them for nothing, and it is therefore a question between the railway companies' and the War Office.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThere are, as I have said, no reduced fares now for relatives. Special facilities were granted, but they have been discontinued.
§ Mr. WIGNALLIf the facilities have been discontinued, has any further authorisation been given for these people to apply to any Department for facilities under present conditions?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am not aware, but if the hon. Member will put down a question I will inquire.
Colonel C. LOWTHERIs not the word "relative" rather wide and far reaching? 214 Should it not be confined to the parents or a direct relation of the wounded person?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI cannot without notice say how far it goes.