§ Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made to enable near relatives to visit wounded or sick soldiers in hospital in this country who have been evacuated from overseas theatres of operations.
§ Sir J. GriggOn arrival from abroad in the United Kingdom wounded and sick soldiers are distributed to suitable hospitals as near to their homes as is practicable. An official card is forwarded to the next-of-kin by the hospital to which the patient is admitted. Near relatives who wish to visit soldiers lying ill or wounded in hospital are able to use travel42W vouchers whereby they can buy a return tickets on the railways at single fare. Such vouchers are obtainable from the local branch of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association, or of the British Red Cross Society. Not more than two relatives may use this concession on each visit. If the patient is dangerously ill the next-of-kin is notified by telegram. If relatives wish to visit the patient, free return railway warrants are issued for two persons, one of whom must be a relative, on production at the nearest police station of the telegram. If the hospital is so far from the nearest railway station that transport is necessary and if no public transport is available, War Department or other transport may be used.