HC Deb 03 December 1925 vol 188 cc2531-2W
Colonel ENGLAND

asked the Minister of Pensions how many Ministry of Pensions hospitals have been closed within the last 12 months; and how many ex-service men requiring treatment are awaiting admission to the existing hospitals at the present time?

Major TRYON

Seven hospitals have been closed within the past 12 months. The average number of men awaiting admission to hospital is slightly over 400 at any one time. This compares with an average weekly number of 480 admissions to and 470 discharges from the hospitals. There is an average floating balance of 460 beds always available.

Captain BOWYER

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of complaints regarding the treatment of neurasthenic ex-service men at Orpington and at other hospitals, he will definitely state that no economy has been, is being, or will be, practised at the expense of these ex-service men?

Major TRYON

I can unhesitatingly give my hon. and gallant Friend the most complete assurance to this effect.

Mr. DENNISON

asked the Minister of Pensions how many institutions there are under the control of the Ministry for the treatment of pensioners and where they are situated; and what is the charge made against pensioners' allowances at the institutions under his control for the treatment of the mentally afflicted?

Major TRYON

There are 23 institutions under the entire control of the Ministry and three where that control is partial only. With the hon. Member's permission, I will give the names of these institutions and the addressee in the OFFICIAL REPORT. With regard to the latter part of the question, the charge, if any, made against a pension or allowance during treatment either in a public institution or one controlled by the Ministry is determined by the provisions of Article 6 of the Royal Warrant and of the Lunacy Acts. In those cases where any charge is made, the maximum is 37s. 6d. a week.

Following are the institutions referred to:

  • Bellahouston, Glasgow.
  • Craigleith, Edinburgh.
  • Edenhall, Musselburgh.
  • Castle Leazes, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
  • Becketts Park, Leeds.
  • Kirkburton, Huddersfield.
  • Grangethorpe, Manchester.
  • Mossley Hill, Liverpool.
  • Maghull, Liverpool.
  • Chepstow, Wales.
  • Rookwood, Cardiff.
  • Watson Home, Birmingham.
  • Harrowby, Grantham.
  • Saltash, Cornwall.
  • Coombe Park, Bath.
  • Fernbank, Roehampton.
  • Latchmere House, Richmond.
  • Ewell, Surrey.
  • Orpington, Kent.
  • Rotherfield Court, Henley-on-Thames.
  • The Spring, Hanwell.
  • Leopardstown Park, Dublin.
  • Blackrock, Dublin. and (under partial control)
  • Highbury, Birmingham.
  • Roehampton.
  • Sidcup.

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