HC Deb 13 September 1939 vol 351 cc629-30
20. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many survivors from the "Athenia" were received into hospitals on arrival ashore; into what institutions they were received; and how many are still receiving treatment?

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Captain McEwen)

My right hon. Friend understands that 30 survivors from the "Athenia" were admitted to hospitals in Scotland on landing. Of these 19 were admitted to the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, two to the Victoria Hospital, Glasgow, and nine to the Royal Infirmary, Greenock. Thirteen are still receiving in-patient treatment. My right hon. Friend would like to express his appreciation of the prompt measures of assistance carried out by individuals and public bodies in Glasgow and Clydeside on the occasion of the landing of the survivors from the "Athenia."

Mr. Gibson

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say anything about the survivors who were landed at Galway, Eire?

Captain McEwen

No, I am afraid we have no information on that.

Miss Rathbone

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the arrangements at Galway were very unsatisfactory and that British people from the "Athenia" were landed, many of them penniless and in scanty raiment and that no provision was made for advancing them money?

Captain McEwen

I have already said that we have no information.