§ 23. Mr. T. Smithasked the Minister of Pensions whether ex-service men in Ministry of Pensions hospitals are not in future to be allowed leave at Whitsuntide; if so, will he state the reason; whether or 2545 not leave is to be granted to these men during Coronation week; and, if not, whether this decision can be reconsidered?
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. H. Ramsbotham)Leave at Whitsuntide to ex-service men in Ministry of Pensions hospitals will be allowed, as it has been in the past, except so far as such leave has, for medical reasons, to be postponed to the summer for certain classes of patients, chiefly neurological. As to the second part of the question, I am giving instructions to the medical superintendents of Ministry hospitals which will enable them to exercise discretion in suitable cases to allow special leave in Coronation week.