§ Mr. BENNETT-GOLDNEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) if he can now say whether anything further has been done to alleviate the sufferings of the convalescent Canadian soldiers who, owing to the continued obstruction of the over-engineer officer in charge at a neighbouring station, have still to suffer illness from the chills and colds of the Moore Barracks hospital living-room; (2) if, in view of the time that has elapsed since an effort was made to secure some amelioration of the condition in which the Canadian convalescent soldiers have been kept at Moore Barracks Hospital, he will now give instructions for the complete files and reports concerning the unfixed Canadian bought stoves from the Canadian officers concerned—that is, the General Officer Commanding Shorncliffe, the Assistant Director of Medical Service, and the Director of Supplies; if, after examination of the files he is satisfied as to the facts, he 1736W will give immediate orders not only to have the stoves fixed at once, but to prevent any similar delays in future; and (3) if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no extra stoves have yet been placed in the living-room and dining-hall situated in the former drill-shed and now forming part of the Moore Barracks Hospital for Canadian convalescent soldiers at Shorncliffe; if he is aware that this shed, although divided by a thin partition at one end, measures some 150 ft. long by 30 ft. wide, and that it has a corrugated iron roof without lining; whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the medical authorities concerned have been begging for these extra stoves now for some months; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. TENNANTAs I informed the hon. Member on the 17th February, I have received no complaint that the convalescent Canadian soldiers are suffering in any way, nor have the medical authorities asked for extra stoves, as alleged. I am awaiting a special report from the station on the question, and should anything further prove to be required to improve the accommodation I can assure the hon. Member that the necessary measures will be taken without delay.