§ Miss Rathboneasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that there is sufficient provision of convalescent homes for merchant seamen and trawler-men; whether he is aware that many of them, especially from the trawlers, have to go straight back to their ships from hospital; how many of such homes exist; and whether the number can be increased or other convalescent accommodation provided?
Mr. M. MacDonaldYes, Sir. Apart from the convalescent accommodation specially provided for this, class merchant seamen and trawlermen who are casualties 701W are treated in the Emergency Hospitals and Convalescent Homes. Approximately 100 of the latter have been opened under the Emergency Scheme and others will be available later. The question of admitting merchant seamen and trawlermen who fall sick or require treatment for other reasons into these convalescent homes is under consideration.