HC Deb 17 April 1946 vol 421 cc2688-9
89. Flying-Officer Bowden

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the complaints regarding the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital, Southport; and if he will have the allegations of uncleanli ness, shortage of linen and use of cracked crockery by patients investigated.

Mr. Duģdale

No complaints concerning the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital, Southport, have been received either by the Admiralty or the medical officer in charge of the hospital. A recent inspection by a senior officer of the Medical Director General's Department fails to support the allegations now made. The paintwork is, however, three years old, and its dilapidated condition may give the impression of dirt. There has been no shortage of linen except during the strike of laundry workers at Southport about four to five weeks ago, but even then there was no serious shortage. The crockery is quite serviceable; although certain items are cracked, they do not form any undue proportion.

Mr. J. Langford-Holt

Is the bon. Gentleman aware that those complaints also apply, to a very large degree, to the Royal Naval Hospital at Haslar? There seem grounds to believe that this is a complaint that can justly be made.

Mr. Duģdale

I cannot accept that without investigation. I am perfectly willing to investigate.