HC Deb 11 April 1935 vol 300 cc1348-9W
Sir G. JONES

asked the Minister of Pensions why permission has been granted for permanent civil servants of his Department, who are not ex-service men, to obtain treatment at institutions provided soley for disabled ex-service men, and in particular at Roehampton and Bulinga Street clinic, in view of the fact that disabled ex-service men have been in difficulty in obtaining treatment at Roehampton or Bulinga Street?

Major TRYON

It is not the practice of the Ministry to give treatment to members of the permanent lay staff of the Department, not being ex-service men, at any of its own clinics or hospitals. Exceptionally, in a very few cases occasional out-patient treatment has been permitted at Bulinga Street, but always at the patient's own charge. Roehampton Hospital belongs to an independent voluntary committee whose own arrangements provide for the treatment of a small number of non-ex-service men. One member of the Ministry's permanent staff was recently admitted by the committee under these arrangements, but at the cost of the patient and not of public funds. The suggestion in the last part of the question is not in accordance with the facts. The accommodation at Roehampton and Bulinga Street is ample for the treatment of all ex-service men found to be in need of treatment for their war disabilities.