HC Deb 10 February 1948 vol 447 cc201-2
40. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War how many hospitals there are for the treatment of venereal disease for soldiers; how many nurses are employed in these hospitals; and how many cases were treated in 1947.

Mr. Shinwell

There are no military hospitals which treat venereal diseases alone. Patients who suffer from such illness are treated at special centres, of which there are, approximately, 27 at home and overseas. Treatment, except for female cases and complicated cases needing ward treatment, is carried out by male special treatment orderlies, and not by nurses; I cannot readily state the number of special treatment orderlies so employed. The number of cases treated from January to November, 1947, was about 34,700. Figures for December, 1947, have not yet been received.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister say if there is any increase in the figures for the Army in Germany?

Mr. Shinwell

In recent months there has been a reduction.