§ Sir R. COOPERasked the Secretary of State for War whether the cost per head of the in-pensioners at Chelsea Hospital.has increased by over £60 per head in the 388W last two years; if so, how much of the increase is actually attributable to the inclusion of rates in the charge for the buildings; what other factors are responsible for this large increase in the cost per head; and how many of the total staff of 204 persons are solely engaged upon work in connection with the administration of service and post-War disability pensions of soldiers?
§ Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThere has been no real increase in cost, but the increased figure per head shown in Army Estimates 1922–23 as compared with that in the Army Account 1920–21 is due, as to £35, to the inclusion of rates in the 1922–23 figures, and as to the remainder, to the correction of the rental value as explained in Army Estimates 1921–22. But for these items the cost would have shown some reduction. Of the total staff of 204 persons, 73 are engaged solely upon work in connection with the administration of service and post-War disability pensions of soldiers.