§ 9. Mr. Messerasked the Secretary of State for War why the Middlesex County Council were not consulted prior to the visit of War Office officials to Harefield Sanatorium; what was the purpose of the visit; and what was the nature of the interview with certain members of the staff of the sanatorium?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe sanatorium was visited by a medical staff officer of the Eastern Command on 9th December, 1003 1936. Prior appointment for the visit was made with the superintendent of the sanatorium. The purpose of the visit was to ascertain whether it was any use approaching the Middlesex County Council to earmark the sanatorium as one of the 29 Territorial Army general hospitals required on mobilization. The sanatorium was again visited at the beginning of last May by the Deputy-Director of Medical Services, Eastern Command, after making prior appointment in writing with the superintendent, to verify its suitability for the purpose in question.
§ Mr. MesserWould it not be a matter of etiquette to approach the health committee responsible for this sanatorium?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaNo, Sir, I do not see that at all, although I realise that the hon. Gentleman is deputy-chairman of the health committee, but the officer who saw the medical officer made an appointment in writing with the superintendent of the sanatorium and asked him whether, prior to the discussion with the Middlesex County Council, he might be able to see the hospital to know whether such discussions were worth while or not.
§ Mr. GallacherWas there any attempt made by the medical officer to force members of the staff to join the Territorial Army?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have never heard such a suggestion made, and I should be astonished if there were any substance in it.