§ Mr. SITCHasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the last patients vacated the Brighton Pavilion Hospital six weeks ago; whether he is aware that the Brighton Corporation are anxious to take over these premises and so enable them to start the necessary repairs and open the grounds to the general public; that the retention of these premises and grounds is causing a great amount of dissatisfaction amongst the local inhabitants; whether any officials are still retained at this hospital; if so, the cost of salaries and the amount each official receives; and, in view of the fact that these premises are urgently required for use during the present holidays, when it is proposed to hand them over to the Corporation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Brighton Pavilion Hospital was evacuated of the last patients six weeks ago. It is expected to clear the stores and close the accounts by the 14th July, 1920. Every effort has been and is being made to hand back the premises as soon as possible There is a large amount of stores to be disposed of and various accounts to close. The only protests received from the local inhabitants have been directed not against the continuance but against the closure of the hospital. In view, however, of the representations of the Municipal Authorities, steps were taken to arrange for the closing of the hospital, and, after some delay, due to the want of alternative accommodation elsewhere, this was effected. The officials remaining are only those whose services cannot be dispensed with until the stores have been cleared and the accounts have been closed. They consist of one officer and thirty-two others.