Mr. W. JENKINS:

asked the Minister of Pensions if he contemplates vacating the hospital at Penrhiewtyn, Neath; whether he is aware that there is considerable resentment in the area at the idea of its being removed; will he state the number of wounded ex-service men now at the hospital, the number attending there for treatment, and the extent of the area it covers; and, before any step is taken, will he cause full inquiries to be made and give an opportunity to representatives of the wounded to be heard?

It is proposed to vacate the hospital premises at Neath in the autumn when a more suitable institution at Chepstow will be available. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any objection to this change; on the contrary he has reason to believe that the ex-service men appreciate that it is to their advantage, in view of the better facilities for treatment which the new instituion will afford. There are a present 169 inpatients and 78 out-patients at Neath Hospital.