HC Deb 15 February 1922 vol 150 cc1034-5W
Mr. A. HERBERT

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is contemplated giving up the hospital at Shepherd's Bush which has been specially equipped for orthopaedic special surgical treatment at a cost of £16,000 by the Red Cross?

Major TRYON

The reply is in the affirmative. I may, however, point out to my hon. Friend that the equipment provided at the cost of the funds of the British Red Cross Society will he moved from the present institution and installed elsewhere for the continued treatment of pensioners.

Sir M. WILSON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the hospital at Shepherd's Bush, which has been specially equipped for orthopædic surgical treatment, is to be transferred to the South African Hutment Hospital at Richmond; and, if so, why?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The answer is in the affirmative. I received urgent representations from the guardians of the parish of Hammersmith to the effect that the administration of relief in the parish was seriously hampered by my continued occupation of this institution, which was formerly the workhouse and infirmary of the parish, and the guardians were only willing to assent to an extension of the tenancy of the building by my Department in return for a very greatly increased rental, for which, in my opinion, there was no justification. The opportunity having presented itself of acquiring equally suitable premises at the Richmond Hill Hospital from the Army Council free of rent, I found it possible to vacate the institution at Shepherd's Bush, and, in all the circumstances, I deemed it advisable to do so.