HC Deb 16 March 1922 vol 151 cc2341-2
8 Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether the surgical staff of the Ministry of Pensions Hospital at Ducane Street, Shepherd's Bush, have expressed the opinion that the removal of the patients therein to huts would be detrimental to the patients; whether he proposes to ignore that opinion in the interests of economy; what net saving would be effected in the treatment of the same number of men by the removal to huts;

(2) how much money has been spent in fitting up and adding to the Ducane Street Hospital for wounded men, including the cost of the operating theatres, massage and electrical departments, and gymnasium; what arrangements, if any, in regard to security of tenure were entered into with the guardians before this money was spent upon the premises;

(3) if his attention has been drawn to an appeal published on behalf of the wounded patients at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Ducane Road, Shepherd's Bush, urging that that admirably situated, fitted, and organised hospital, containing some 600 inmates, and treating some 2,000 out-patients weekly, should not be closed on 31st March next, as proposed, and pointing out that any saving effected by the transfer of the patients to hutments would be effected at the expense of and to the detriment of the wounded men; and will he take immediate steps to cancel the proposed arrangements, and maintain this hospital where it is and in its present state of efficiency?

Major TRYON

With my hon. Friend's permission I will take these questions together. I refer him to the answer given in this House on 15th, 16th and 23rd February to the hon. Members for Islington, Tonbridge and Bethnal Green. Arrangements have been made for a conference to be held to-morrow between representatives of the guardians and the Ministry.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

In view of the fact that a conference is to be held tomorrow, will the hon. Gentleman permit me to put down a question on the subject early next week, in order not to interfere with the conference?

Major TRYON

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend. I shall be very glad if he will put down a question for next week.