HC Deb 25 November 1947 vol 444 cc1774-5
27. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of persons in the permanent hospital category, as the result of the First and Second World Wars respectively.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Buchanan)

The number of pensioners of the 1914 War permanently maintained in hospitals or homes is in the region of 4,500. It is not yet possible to give any reliable estimate for the 1939 War, but I am hopeful that the numbers of persons who will have to be permanently maintained in hospital as the result of that war will be considerably less than for the 1914 War.

Mr. Shepherd

Can the Minister say that he is satisfied with the arrangements for those falling in the latter category? I have had complaints about the hospital arrangements so far available.

Mr. Buchanan

If hon. Members have complaints, I wish they would let me have them. If such a thing were even suggested, I would be very worried and I would take action on it. I do not like using the word "permanently." My view is that we ought to try to get away from the attitude that most of these people are permanently there. I rather tend to take the view that nowadays science should overcome that "permanent" point of view.;