HC Deb 10 July 1924 vol 175 cc2432-3
10. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Minister of Pensions what sum would be required to put Bellahouston in a condition to receive the patients from Craigleith hospital?

11. Mr. PHILLIPPS

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any decision has been arrived at in reference to Craigleith military hospital, Edinburgh?

14. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is satisfied that there is no danger of fire in the Bellahouston premises if the patients are removed there from Craigleith pensions hospital?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am making comprehensive arrangements for hospital accommodation for my Department in Scotland, which, I believe, will prove satisfactory to all those interested, and which I hope shortly to be in a position to announce. As the matter has been mentioned, I may say that the reports which I have received from my advisers as regards fire precautions at Bellahouston hospital are satisfactory.

Mr. PHILLIPPS

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet come to a decision in regard to the Craigleith hospital?

Mr. ROBERTS

No, Sir; that decision is included in the comprehensive scheme that I am now considering. I hope shortly to make a statement.

Mr. PHILLIPPS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very strong feeling exists in Edinburgh and the East and South-East of Scotland that it is not in the interests of these patients that they should be transferred to the Bellahouston hospital?

Mr. ROBERTS

Yes; I have personally visited Edinburgh just recently, in fact the whole of the hospitals concerned, and as a result of my personal investigations I am now considering the matter.

Captain BENN

If it is proposed to transfer any of these patients to wooden hutments, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is no risk of fire?

Mr. ROBERTS

I shall be glad if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will leave the matter with the answers I have given There will be more information later.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Is it the policy of the Ministry of Pensions to transfer these cases to a military hospital?

13. Captain BENN

asked the Minister of Pensions what proportion of patients at the Craigleith Pensions Hospital come from the east and south-east of Scotland?

Mr. ROBEFITS

I regret that the information asked for could not be obtained in the short time available, but I will endeavour to ascertain it and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

Captain BENN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say by what date he expects to reach a decision with reference to this matter?

Mr. ROBERTS

If the hon. and gallant Member will repeat his question on this day fortnight, I will endeavour to give him an answer.