§ Sir K. WOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, since the hospital at Woolwich Arsenal has been recently closed which accommodated some 40 patients, he can state what medical, ambulance, and other arrangements have now been made in the event of accidents arising at the Arsenal; and whether he is satisfied that such arrangements are satisfactory?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSAn officer of the Royal Army Medical Corps is always available by day and by night, and adequate facilities exist for the treat- 73W ment of cases of injury pending their removal to hospital. Injured employés requiring in-patient treatment will in future be taken to the Royal Herbert Hospital, which is distant only about a mile and a quarter from the Arsenal and which has ample accommodation and facilities. With regard to ambulances, apart from the Arsenal ambulance, which is always available in working hours, arrangements have been made with the Metropolitan Asylums Board for the immediate supply, on telephonic demand by day or night, of fast motor vehicles. These will, in the first instance, be drawn from the Brook Ambulance Station, which is close to the Royal Herbert Hospital and which disposes of a considerable number of vehicles. In the event, however, of a very serious accident additional ambulances can at once be called up from other neighbouring stations. The London County Council ambulances are also available. I am advised that ambulances are likely to be on the spot before the sufferers are ready for removal in them. The hospital which has been closed would not in any event have been able to deal with an extensive accident, and I am satisfied that the arrangements which have been made are satisfactory.