Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether he is aware of the indignation created among the people of Glasgow, and particularly ex-service men, by the allegations against the administration of Bellahouston Hospital; whether it is alleged that men are being discharged as fit who have not been properly examined; whether he is aware that an allegation has been made that 900 outdoor patients were examined in seven days and marked fit for work; whether 210 men were examined in one hour and 20 minutes and 190 of them marked fit for work; what steps he will take to ensure a proper and thorough examination; whether he is prepared to authorise an inquiry into the administration of this hospital;
(2) whether he is aware that Alexander Fletcher, an ex-soldier on treatment for heart trouble at Bellahouston Hospital, Glasgow, was examined on the morning of llth February, 1921, and marked fit for work and discharged; that on the afternoon of the same day Fletcher collapsed in the local pensions committee office, Berkley Street, Glasgow, and was taken back in an ambulance to Bellahouston Hospital; that after treatment for several days he was discharged, and on 28th March he again collapsed while in a doctor's, and again taken to Bellahouston, and that he is still an inmate; and whether, in view of the grave dissatisfaction, he will hold an inquiry into the administration of this hospital?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have not heard of the allegations referred to, but I have called for an immediate report regarding the various matters dealt with in these questions. Unless the report satisfies me 1309W that the allegations are unfounded, I will hold an inquiry into the administration of the hospital forthwith.