§ Mr. W. A. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the acting war hospital matron at Botley's Park War Hospital, Surrey, has been forced to resign and a person less qualified appointed to her place; that in consequence of the dismissal of the kitchen superintendent her staff resigned in sympathy; that visits to wounded soldier inmates of the hospital have been made more difficult by the introduction of visitors' passes; whether he will have immediate investigation made so that the institution may be conducted in a better manner; and is he satisfied that there are adequate air-raid shelters for the hospital staff and its inmates?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe Botley's Park War Hospital belongs to and is controlled by the Surrey County Council and the resignation of the acting matron, the appointment of a successor and the control of kitchen staff are matters for the county council. I may say, however, that officers of my Department have frequently visited the casualty unit at this hospital and I am advised that it is fully efficient. As regards passes for visitors to wounded soldiers in the hospital, it is considered advisable in the interests of security that visitors should have passes, and the hospital is carrying out the instructions given to them by my Department in this matter. The county council are proceeding to construct air-raid shelters following a visit from one of the architects of my Department when the necessary works were agreed.