asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Miss Jameson, a British ex-Service woman, was charged £189 for treatment in the British Military Hospital, Singapore; on what basis this charge was fixed; and whether he will make a refund of some of the charge.

Miss Jameson was charged the full cost of board and treatment for the period of about ten weeks which she spent in hospital. This was in accordance with the normal scale of charges for civilians who receive treatment in Army hospitals overseas. I am, however, looking into the matter to see whether a reduction is possible in this case in view of the special circumstances which the hon. Lady has communicated to me.

I thank the Minister for his sympathetic promise. For the future, will he have consultations with other right hon. Gentlemen with a view to establishing the principle as of right for British civilians to be helped in this way without charge?

Yes, Sir.