§ Sir C. MacAndrewasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the reservation of beds in hospitals in the cities of Scotland for the reception of civilian war casualties, he can say what provision is being made for hospital treatment for patients urgently requiring it in country areas, from which in normal times it is customary to travel to the cities for treatment?
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§ Mr. ColvilleI have had this matter under consideration and I am glad to be able to say that arrangements are being made under which the additional hospital facilities which are being provided under the Emergency Casualty Hospitals Scheme in various parts of the country will be available up to the limit of their capacity not only for civilian war casualties but also for ordinary sick persons in those areas who are in urgent need of hospital treatment which cannotbe obtained elsewhere. The additional hospital beds under the scheme will come into commission in increasing numbers in the near future.
Local authorities and other hospital authorities will be informed as these additional beds become available in areas suitable for their purposes and full instructions will be given as to the procedure for the admission of patients and for the recovery of the cost of treatment in suitable cases.