§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the arrangements in force for providing medical attention for the families of officers and men in the Navy?
§ Mr. AMMONThe families of officers and men in the Navy are not entitled to medical attention at the public expense. As a privilege, however, the families of naval personnel serving in particular appointments in certain shore establishments, and the families of Royal Marines resident in barracks are afforded free medical treatment by the medical officer of the establishment subject to certain conditions, one of which is that no extra expense to Navy Votes is thereby entailed. As an exceptional measure, a contribution from naval funds is also made in approved cases towards the cost of the treatment afforded, either in the Military Hospital or in the King George V Merchant Seamen's Hospital, Malta, to the British wives and families of ratings who, having joined the Navy in the United Kingdom, are temporarily resident at Malta while serving on the Mediterranean station. Assistance has 1477W also been given by means of a grant from the residue of the Naval Prize Fund to enable them to obtain out-patient treatment and medical attention in their own homes at reduced rates. This latter privilege is applicable also to families of officers.