§ 54. Mr. HARRISONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that men at present in the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Wearde Camp, Saltash, are granted single-journey warrants only for their Christmas leave; whether, in view of the long distances which these men in many cases have to travel to reach their homes, he will consider granting them free travelling facilities; and whether he can extend their leave from four days to seven days?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)The arrangements for leave in this institution are the same as for all other Ministry hospitals. When a patient has been in the hospital for three months he may be granted leave from the hospital with a free single ticket on the next national holiday, and thereafter on each succeeding national holiday, or he may have a return ticket on each alter- 1821 nate holiday. The periods of leave granted are the fullest that can be given consistently with medical requirements. They have been so arranged that men living at a distance have ordinarily four nights at their homes apart from travelling. If in any case an exceptionally long journey were involved which seriously curtailed the period, special consideration would be given to it by the medical superintendent. These arrangements have been very carefully reviewed recently by my medical officers for all the institutions of the Ministry, and I regret that, in the interests of the patients, I do not see my way to extend them.
§ Mr. HARRISONCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman reconsider the question of giving these men free railway warrants owing to the cost to which they are put for very long journeys, and in view of the fact that their health has broken down in consequence of their war service?
Viscountess ASTORDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that some of these men will not be able to go back unless they get free railway tickets?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYIt was carefully considered, and the alteration was made in this way that the men might, if they wished, have four single tickets during the year or else two return passes during the year.
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman not consider the more generous treatment of giving return tickets in the poor cases?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYNo. These men are in there for institutional treatment, and they are given return tickets twice a year if they wish.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman made any estimate of the money saved to his Department by withholding this privilege?
§ Mr. R. MORRISONIn view of the fact that Members of Parliament have first-class permanent passes, could not these men have vouchers as well?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThey do, twice a year. If they like to have two holidays a year, they get vouchers going and returning.
§ Mr. MORRISONIs it not a fact that Members of Parliament can have them 52 times a year?
§ Mr. STEPHENCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman not explain why these men should not have vouchers for more times?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYIt seems fan-that they should be allowed to go out twice a year with return tickets, or, if they choose to go four times, they can have single tickets.
§ Mr. MORRISONIt is mean.
§ Mr. B. SMITHHaving regard to the services these men rendered to their country during their period of service, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman not consider extending this privilege?