HC Deb 08 July 1920 vol 131 cc1674-5W

Mr. T. STANFORD asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to delay on the part of the military authorities in agreeing the amount to be paid for dilapidations to the Brighton Workhouse due to the military occupation of that building as the Kitchener Hospital, the Brighton Board of Guardians are unable to resume possession; that, in consequence, they are forced to retain for the use of some of the workhouse inmates a house which has been bought for the much-needed extension of a hospital for women and children in Brighton; and, seeing that public money is being unnecessarily spent in rent for this house, and that many cases of urgent and serious illness are unable to receive the hospital treatment which they require, will he inquire into this matter?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON: I am aware that the dilapidations claim in respect of the building mentioned has been under discussion locally. The Military Authorities have recently reported that the case is being treated with all possible expedition.