HC Deb 18 March 1920 vol 126 cc2370-1
33. Mr. W. GRAHAM

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the present financial position of many infirmaries and hospitals in all parts; of the country; and whether, having, regard to the fact that practically all of them rendered great service in treating, the wounded and disabled at low rates of payment and that their present position is in part due to circumstances arising from the war, he will support an appeal to the authorities of the National Relief Fund that a portion of the unexpended balance of the Fund should be allocated among these institutions, and so endorse the claim which many of them are now making upon the sum at the disposal of the National Relief Fund authorities?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Government have no responsibility for the administration of the Fund, which was subscribed for the relief of distress due to the War, and it rests with the Committee to determine what objects come within its scope. But I understand that in the opinion of the Committee the Fund cannot properly be applied in making good the deficits in the administration of the general hospitals throughout the country.