Colonel THORNEasked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that the West Ham War Pensions Committee have for some time past been labouring under difficulties with regard to hospital treatment for disabled men; if he is aware that the difficulties have now been increased, in consequence of the closing of the Mile End Mili- 367W tary Hospital and the Whipps' Cross Hospital, which were the only military hospitals available for the treatment of disabled men within easy reach of the borough of West Ham; if he is aware that the disabled men have now no priority to treatment at the general hospitals within reasonable distance; if he can see his way clear to set up a local hospital, to be run entirely by the Ministry of Pensions for the benefit of all disabled men applying to the West Ham War Pensions Committee; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am aware that the West Ham Committee have been in some difficulty with regard to the provision of hospital treatment for disabled men. Within the last few days arrangements have been completed for the treatment of men at Queen Mary's Hospital, Stratford, and it is anticipated that this provision will be adequate. If it should not be found so, other steps will be taken, but I do not consider that there is any necessity for setting up a special local institution.