§ 27. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Pensions what use will be made of the Highbury Hospital, Birmingham, when it is closed; whether the equipment belongs to the Ministry and, if so, how it will be disposed of; and what is to become of the medical and non-medical staff?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)The use to which the premises will be put when the hospital is vacated by the Ministry rests with the trustees. Much of the equipment belongs to the Birmingham Pensions Hospital Committee, but such of it as belongs to the State will be taken over by His Majesty's Office of Works. Alternative employment has been provided or offered to as many as possible of the members of the staff who are in the direct employment of the Ministry, including the Medical Superintendent. The majority of the staff, however, are employés of the Hospital Committee.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEWhen one of these hospitals is about to be closed down, is there any communication with other Government Departments as to their possible use by them, or is it left to the Office of Works to warehouse the equipment?
§ Major TRYONHospitals, as they are vacated by one service, are immediately used for another.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEBut as to the equipment, is it left to the Board of Works to put it in warehouse, or is it offered to other Departments?
§ Major. TRYONNaturally, the equipment would be used where it was wanted.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the right hon. and gallant Member use his influence to find employment for those officials of the Highbury Hospital who are not officers of the Ministry, as otherwise very great hardship will be inflicted on them?
§ Major TRYONI could not undertake specially to do that.
§ Mr. HANNONBut is the right hon. and gallant Member aware of the valuable service rendered by these nonofficial servants?
§ Major TRYONI am well aware that their services are valuable, and I have no doubt the committee will do their best for them.