HC Deb 15 June 1922 vol 155 cc512-3
3. Mr. C. WHITE

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the neurological hospitals at Ashurst, Oxford, and others in London, are being permanently closed down; whether the patients in these hospitals are being sent to Army hospitals at Netley, and other places, where the treatment is quite unsuitable for such cases; and whether, if this be the case, he will reconsider his decision with a view to these patients being sent to institutions or hospitals where fitting treatment will be given?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The demand for treatment facilities for neurasthenia is, I am glad to say, decreasing, and hospital accommodation is being correspondingly reduced. In-patient treatment for neurasthenia is still being provided by my Department exclusively at Ministry Institutions, of which the Welsh Hospital at Netley (as distinct from the military hospital there) is one; and there is no intention of making any other arrangements.

Mr. WHITE

Is the Ashurst Hospital closed?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am not quite sure, but, as I have said in my answer, cases are now decreasing, and, correspondingly, the hospital accommodation will decrease.