asked the Minister of Pensions whether a decision has been arrived at as to the closing of the military hospital at Beckett's Park, Leeds; whether he is aware of the hardship and inconvenience that would result to the many hundreds of ex-service patients attached to the hospital; whether he has considered the great expense entailed upon removal elsewhere and the loss of the large sums laid out upon the present buildings; and whether he is aware that: the proposal has excited great apprehension in the minds of the patients and indignation amongst their, relatives and the people of Yorkshire generally

Mr. ROBERTS:

This building is held by the Ministry on a lease which will expire next August. I am anxious to obtain a renewal, and negotiations to that end are proceeding.

May 1 understand from that that these men will not be evicted in July next

Mr. ROBERTS:

I am endeavouring to come to a satisfactory arrangement with the authorities concerned, and perhaps I may be able to make a more definite announcement if the hon. Baronet will repeat the question at a later stage.