§ Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Pensions the exact sum which it would cost to grant free travelling facilities at Christmas to the patients in the hospitals of the Ministry; and whether, seeing that every man who is fit to travel is entitled to the leave provided he can pay the fare for the return journey, he will make a concession in this respect?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYI regret that it is not practicable to make any reliable estimate. Having regard to the fact that any man who is already entitled to a return ticket can avail himself of it at the Christmas season, I do not see my way to recommend the additional concession suggested.
Mr. PRESTONasked the Minister of Pensions whether any new Orders have been issued recently to the effect that all men in Ministry of Pensions hospitals are to wear blue clothing when going out in public except on all-night passes; and, if so, whether he will state their nature?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYNo, Sir. It has always been the recognised policy of the Ministry that patients in Ministry institutions should wear the distinctive clothing, which, when out of the grounds of the hospital, secures for the patient272W such protection and assistance as would naturally be afforded to a hospital patient in case of need.
Mr. PRESTONasked the Minister of Pensions whether the privilege of going out on Saturday and Sunday from 1 o'clock until 9 o'clock, which has hitherto been enjoyed by the inmates of hospitals under the Ministry of Pensions, has been withdrawn; and, if so, the reasons?
§ Major TRYONLeave for the prolonged period indicated has never been authorised by the Regulations of the Ministry, under which four hours in a single day is the maximum period prescribed.