HC Deb 17 January 1924 vol 169 cc235-7
1. Mr. MARDY JONES

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the total number of trainees who have received concurrent treatment and training at the Prince of Wales Convalescent Centre, Barry, Glamorgan, throughout the year 1923; whether it is his intention to close this centre early in 1924; and if he is aware that very many disabled ex-service men in South Wales, who are in need of the benefits of this institution, are very anxious that it should be maintained to obviate the necessity of transferring trainees to English centres remote from their homes?

6. Mr. CLARRY

asked the Minister of Pensions if it is the intention of the Ministry of Pensions to close the Prince of Wales Convalescent Centre, Barry, Glamorgan; and, if so, will he give the reasons for this decision and also indicate what proposals the Ministry have regarding the inmates' and trainees' future?

12. Mr. BARKER

asked the Minister of Pensions if it is proposed to close the Prince of Wales Convalescent Centre at Barry; and, if so, will he have the question reconsidered on the ground that the trainees would lose the advantages of technical training or be transferred to English centres remote from their homes?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)

It is anticipated that the requirements for accommodation at convalescent centres for treatment and training will not justify the retention for the whole of the current year of all of the four separate centres. A decision as to the centre or centres to be closed and the date of closing must await further detailed examination of the applications received up to the date of the closing of the waiting list on the 31st ultimo. The hon. Members may rest assured that, in the event of a centre being closed, suitable provision will be made for completing the treatment-training of the men, among whom transfers from one centre to another for various reasons are already not uncommon. The number of men who received treatment and training at Barry in 1923 was 569.

Mr. JONES

Has the Minister received a number of complaints against the closing of this particular centre, which is so convenient to many ex-service men?

Major TRYON

I shall be happy to consider any complaints which may have been received, but it is quite obvious that if four are too many, the number will ultimately have to be reduced to three.

Mr. JONES

Will the Minister bear in mind that this is the only centre of the kind in the whole of Wales?

Major TRYON

Certainly, I will bear that fact and all other relevant facts in mind.