HC Deb 12 February 1946 vol 419 c165
29. Mr. Renton

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many soldiers are being discharged or re leased from the Army while still in hospital, and are thereby compelled to spend their release leave in hospital; and what steps he is taking to ensure that an end is put to this practice.

Mr. Lawson

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Henley (Sir G. Fox) on 18th December, 1945. The present arrangements, of which details were given in my answer, avoid the difficulty referred to by the hon. and gallant Member in the majority of cases, and I do not consider that it would be practicable to go beyond these arrangements.

Mr. Renton

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the number of men who are kept in hospital when they should be discharged is being reduced?.

Mr. Lawson

If the hon. Member will look at the answer I gave i.1December I think he will be quite satisfied with the attention that has been paid to them and the length of time they are retained now.

Mr. George Wallace

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a considerable amount of anxiety and misunderstanding on this matter among men in Service hospitals who should not have to suffer such anxiety?

Mr. Lawson

I think it would be very useful if the answer I gave in December could be more widely circulated in order that people outside should know.