5. Colonel NEWMANasked the Minister of Pensions whether it is his policy to gradually close down the hospitals attached to his Department and in their stead to establish centres for the treatment of ex-service men who are eligible and in need of treatment; and, if so, who is it intended to appoint to run and supervise such centres?
§ Major TRYONI am not quite clear what the hon. and gallant Member has in mind. I may, however, explain that the demand for in-patient treatment is diminishing, and that the gradual reduction of accommodation in Ministry hospitals follows naturally. A considerable number of out-patient clinics and departments have already been established at convenient centres throughout the country, and these are administered either by the Ministry or by civil hospitals or the British Red Cross Society on an agreed basis.