§ Mr. MILDMAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the advisability of altering the practice whereby men, unlikely to be fit for future service, are discharged from the Royal naval hospitals while still in immediate need of hospital treatment?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe practice of the Admiralty in regard to men invalided out of the Navy has been not to discharge them from hospital, except at their own request, until quite fit to travel to their homes. As a result of the passing of the Insurance Act, the sailor is entitled to sanatorium benefit if discharged suffering from tubercle. As I stated in reply to the hon. Gentleman on the 28th November, it is certainly our desire that such a man should, before being discharged from our hospitals, be placed in communication with the local insurance committee with a view to sanatorium treatment; and the question of how best effect can be given to this is now engaging our attention.