HC Deb 16 June 1931 vol 253 cc1596-7
2. Sir CHARLES OMAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to enable men in military hospitals, more especially in those which contain ex-soldier patients from the Great War, inmates more or less convalescent, to enjoy the privilege of walking out in civilian costume, in accordance with a practice now common with other ranks in the service?

Mr. SHAW

It is only in exceptional circumstances that the patients in military hospitals are allowed to leave the grounds of the hospital. In most cases a patient who was well enough to "walk out" would be fit to be discharged. I may add that the number of ex-soldier patients from the Great War who are in military hospitals is practically negligible, and I see no sufficient reason for altering the existing rules as regards soldier patients.

Sir C. OMAN

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that, because the number of these men is insignificant, they should be placed at a disadvantage in this respect, as compared with other soldiers?

Mr. SHAW

The hon. Member is perhaps confusing military hospitals with Ministry of Pension hospitals. As a general rule, a soldier does not go out in civilian clothes. He has no civilian clothes in which to go out.

Sir C. OMAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman be surprised to hear that a definite case was brought before me by a very distinguished officer with the request that it might be raised? It is not a hypothetical case.

Mr. SHAW

If the hon. Member will give me the details of any case, I shall have the matter looked into.

Mr. SIMMONS

Are not commissioned ranks allowed to go out in civilian clothes; and are they not fewer in number than the ordinary ex-service men?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is it not the case that in certain regiments in the Army privates and non-commissioned officers are allowed to go out in civilian clothes; and is the right hon. Gentleman not prepared, in consultation with the Minister of Pensions, to arrange that wounded soldiers should have the same privilege?

Mr. SHAW

I take it that the wounded soldiers referred to by the right hon. and learned Gentleman are mea who are in the Ministry of Pensions hospitals, over which I have no control whatever; but, if any cases are brought to my notice of any alleged hardship or grievance in this connection, I shall consider them. On my present information, I know of no such cases.