§ 26. Mr. ROBERT RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether it is proposed to close the Ministry of Pensions hospital, Sunderland; whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the civil hospitals in the counties of Durham and Northumberland have long waiting lists of civilian patients and are unable to deal promptly with pensioners; whether the medical officers of the northern region are in favour of the closing of the Sunderland hospital; and whether, if it be decided to close this hospital, other hospital accommodation will be provided in the county of Durham for pensioners?
§ Major TRYONOwing to the decreasing requirements of my Department in the northern region, arrangements have been made to close this hospital gradually. This step was not. taken without the fullest consideration of all the circumstances, and, after consultation with my medical advisers, I am satisfied that ample facilities will remain for providing, without delay, all necessary treatment.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONMay I suggest to the Minister that he should consider combining the Ministry of Pensions with this hospital, and save a very useful hospital which is doing such good work; and does he remember the large number of men who enlisted from the County of Durham, and who may want to use the hospital in the near future instead of going as far as Gretna to receive treatment?
§ Major TRYONI cannot give an answer at once, but I will consider the suggestion.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that for years the hospitals of Durham and Northumberland have not been able to meet the needs of the civilian population, and in view of that fact will 1280 he further investigate this matter before he places even a small number of military cases upon the civilian hospitals?