§ 9. Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Minister of Pensions whether there is adequate hospital accommodation for the immediate treatment of all ex-service men who are entitled to such treatment; and whether there have been any cases during the last six months, and, if so, how many, where, before treatment is given, a waiting period has been inraosed?
§ Major TRYONI am satisfied that the accommodation available is fully adequate to the requirements of the Ministry. There is, in fact, always a margin of beds over and above the average demand. With regard to the second part of the question my hon. Friend will understand that a brief interval is in ordinary cases necessary in order to secure accommodation of a type appropriate to the particular case, and also, to meet the convenience of the pensioner who is not usully prepared to leave his home at a moment's notice. But notwithstanding this, the average waiting period for admission to hospital does not exceed three to four days.
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONIf any accommodation is arranged for will it be provided at a reasonable distance from the residence of the pensioners?
§ Major TRYONI am not sure that I follow the hon. Member's question, but I think the geographical distribution of our hospitals is as good as we can get it, and we always keep that point in mind.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONI know a case where a roan has been stationed in Durham and has been called upon to go to Kendal for treatment.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member seems to be giving information in regard to a particular case. I think he had better put that question down.
§ Major TRYONOf course I cannot answer a supplementary question with regard to a particular case without knowing the name of the man. But if the hon. Member will give me the necessary particulars, I shall be very happy to go into the question.