HC Deb 08 August 1940 vol 364 cc400-1
39. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Pensions what arrangements are made for the provision of comforts, including cigarettes and tobacco, to ex-Service patients and wounded members of the British Expeditionary Force in Ministry of Pensions and other hospitals; whether he is aware that many men are unable to afford these comforts for themselves, and that gifts are seldom received or are unequally distributed; and whether he will take steps to improve the position?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

I am glad to say that comforts of many kinds, including cigarettes and tobacco, are sent to Ministry of Pensions hospitals through the generosity of the Order of St. John and the British Red Cross Society and a number of other voluntary bodies and private donors, and their action is greatly appreciated by the patients. I am assured by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that similar provision is made in the hospitals of the Emergency Medical Service.

Mr. Shinwell

While appreciating what the hon. Gentleman has done in this matter, may I ask him to see that some of the inequalities to which the men are subjected and to which reference has been made in correspondence between hon. Members and the Minister will be removed?

Sir W. Womersley

There have been complaints that the distribution is not quite even between hospital and hospital and in some cases between patient and patient, and I am going carefully into the matter.