HC Deb 26 November 1925 vol 188 cc1566-7
8. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has any statement to make with regard to the petition, signed by 170 inmates of the Ministry's hospital at Orpington, protesting against their condition; and whether, in order to allay the anxiety of the relatives of patients and of the public, he will order an inquiry?

Major TRYON

I presume the hon. Member refers to the petition which has been mentioned in a newspaper as having been addressed to the Ex-Services' Welfare Society. The petition was not addressed to me, and I have no knowledge of it other than from a summary of it which was given me indirectly. I took steps at once to issue a statement to the Press on the principal points which I understood to be raised in it. No representations have been made to me which would indicate the existence of any such general anxiety on the part of relatives of patients or the public, as is suggested by the hon. Member. The organisation and conduct of this institution, so far as regards the cases of the type of neurasthenia now accommodated there, have been framed in accordance with the highest medical advice in the interest of their very difficult type of case. The institution is subject to frequent periodical inspection by my medical and lay officers, and I am satisfied that the well-being and comfort of patients in it is most carefully safeguarded. In these circumstances, I do not consider that an inquiry would serve any useful purpose.

Sir FREDRIC WISE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any truth in the charge of starvation at this hospital, and can he give the House any information as to the kind of food that has been provided?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman, if he thinks it advisable, invite the medical Members of this House, of all parties, to visit the hospital?

Major TRYON

I shall be most happy to accede to the suggestion put forward by my right hon. Friend. Such Members would be welcome, and I suggest that they should go on a day not previously announced. A charge has been made against this hospital that the food is insufficient. I have here a list of the meals, and I will take any day which hon. Members like. Here are the meals on one day:

Breakfast: Porridge, bacon, tomatoes, bread, margarine and tea.

Dinner: Roast beef, potatoes, cabbage and rice pudding.

Tea: Stewed fruit, custard, cake, bread and margarine, jam and tea.

Supper: Bread, cheese and cocoa.

In these circumstances, I think the suggestions of starvation are wholly unfounded. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"]