§ Mr. Muffasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that his Department has refused permission to the authorities in the East Riding, in charge of emergency services hospitals, to admit merchant seamen who have been injured on the high seas by enemy action; and will he allow such hospitals to treat these British nationals with equal rights to those given to German and Italian prisoners of war.
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir. Officers and men of the Merchant Navy are accepted for free treatment under the Emergency Hospital Scheme for any injury or sickness arising out of their service; and the second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind and will give me particulars, I shall be pleased to look into the matter.