HC Deb 04 July 1944 vol 401 c990
23. Mr. Bartle Bull

asked the Secretary of State for War if, when a telegram is sent to the next-of-kin of anyone in the services who is seriously ill, it could also be stated in the telegram that travel warrants can be obtained at the nearest police station.

Sir J. Grigg

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 21st March. The telegram which is sent to the next-of-kin of officers and men who are dangerously ill ends with the words "a return railway warrant for two persons, one a relative, will be issued on production of this telegram at the nearest police station."

24. Mr. Bull

asked the Secretary of State for War if, when next-of-kin apply for travel warrants to visit anyone in the Services who is seriously ill, police stations will be instructed to advise them that the local Red Cross liaison officer will meet them, take them to the hospital, find them billets and look after them while they are staying near the hospital.

Sir J. Grigg

Although the local Red Cross liaison officer does all he can to help next-of-kin who are visiting patients in hospital it is, I understand, impossible to guarantee that he will know of their arrival or be able to find them billets near the hospital. Such arrangements as are possible are made as part of the work of the Red Cross on behalf of wounded and sick soldiers. My hon. Friend will appreciate that they are not made by the War Department.