70. Major BARNESasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that in New-castle-on-Tyne there are 50 pensioners awaiting concurrent treatment and training; and if he will say what local facilities for these purposes exist in that city?
71. Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that there are still 50 pensioners awaiting concurrent treatment and training in Newcastle.-on-Tyne; and if he will state what local facilities exist for men in that city who are awaiting Government treatment and training?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)There are at present a number of men in Newcastle-on-Tyne awaiting admission to a convalescent centre for concurrent treatment and training, whom it is proposed to send to the nearest available centre, the "King's Lancashire," Blackpool. This centre, with accommodation for 600 men, is at present full, but a considerable extension of its capacity is now under consideration, with a view to meeting the requirements of the situation. In the meantime these men are being provided with any medical treatment recommended for their disabilities.
Major BARNESCan the Minister give any approximate idea of the time for which this accommodation is needed?
§ Major TRYONI can only say that developments are going forward as is shown by the recent large addition at Epsom. We are working on the same lines elsewhere.
§ Major TRYONAbout 2,000 up to the present, but these do not include those trained by the Ministry of Labour.
§ Major TRYONYes, if they undertake to go through the training.