§ 1. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the recent strike of the inmates of the Ministry's institution, Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton, arising out of the stoppage of week-end leave; and is he prepared to cause instructions to be given at this and other similar institutions that cone under his authority that in future full facilities for week-end leave will be afforded those patients who are deemed medically fit for travelling and who are desirous of visiting their families?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS(Major Tryon)I have inquired into this matter and I find that a number of patients to whom the medical superintendent found 1105 himself unable to grant leave deliberately absented themselves without permission. The hon. and gallant Member will realise that these men are in hospital solely for the purpose of treatment with the object of improving their condition, and that, in considering any question of leave, regard must be paid to the requirements of the treatment prescribed and to the effective management of the institution. I may point tint that the facilities granted are considerably in excess of those allowed by civil hospitals. I see no reason to alter the existing leave regulations which are working satisfactorily at other Ministry hospitals.
§ Colonel DAYWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider granting this humanitarian concession to these men who have done their bit for the country?
§ Major TRYONI have already gone into the question of leave.