§ Mr. T. SMITHasked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of Joseph Dcvency, 17, Newport Street, Tanshelf, Ponte-fract, an inmate of the National Sanatorium, Benenden, Kent, who, in consequence of lodging a complaint concerning the food, was discharged without Being given a fair hearing, although 19 inmates signed a declaration verifying Devenoy's statement; and, in view of this fact, will he institute inquiries and sec that justice is done to this man?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI have been asked to reply to this question. This case had not. previously been brought to my right hon. Friend's notice, but he has communicated with the authorities of the sanatorium, and is informed that the conduct of this man was insubordinate and detrimental to the maintenance of discipline amongst the other patients; that he was discharged, not on account of the complaint made by him, but for subsequent insolence on being informed, after the complaint had been heard, that it was considered to be unfounded; and that his discharge was necessary for the satisfactory conduct of the sanatorium.