§ 36. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence what financial arrangements have been made for taking over the Hertford British Hospital in Paris for the use of British Service personnel.
§ Mr. BirchNegotiations with the hospital committee of management are nearing completion. It is proposed that, towards an estimated cost of£100,000 for putting the hospital in order, the committee will contribute £20,000. Certain beds will still be available for British civilians living in Paris.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWould it not have been cheaper for the public funds if Sir Bernard Docker's offer to keep this hospital going had been accepted in the first instance? Would not that have made it very much less costly to the Service Departments to obtain the necessary bed accommodation which is now being sought?
§ Mr. BirchSir Bernard Docker's financial affairs are not the concern of my noble Friend, and I cannot answer that question.