§ Major GODFREY PALMERasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the financial condition of the hospitals of the country; whether he is aware that some hospitals, owing to diminution in voluntary subscriptions, are in danger either of having to close entirely or much restrict their work; and whether he will cause immediate steps to be taken to deal with the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have for some time past been giving the most anxious con-2612W sideration to the future of the voluntary hospitals. The situation in London has been relieved by the recent emergency distribution of £250,000 by the King Edward Fund, and the position of the provincial hospitals is generally less serious than in London. The question of State assistance raises many difficult issues, and I am anxious to avoid any precipitate measures which might prejudice the voluntary principle, to the maintenance of which I attach the greatest importance.