Lieut. - Commander Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some 150 patients in 98 British General Hospital, C.M.F., have been awaiting repatriation for the past four to six months; that most of these men are not receiving any medical treatment and that a number of them belong to release Groups 15 to 24; and what steps are being taken to return these men to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. LawsonThere have been difficulties regarding the allocation of hospital ships, but I have no knowledge of the extensive delay suggested. All outstanding clearances were effected in mid-September, before the delay occurred, and one ship left Italy in November. Another is planned to leave towards the end of this month, the exact date depending on the completion of repairs. I am, however, making further inquiries on the specific points.