asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will give an assurance that satisfactory hospital accommodation exists for ranks and ratings serving in ships and naval establishments in the neighbourhood of Londonderry.

Yes, Sir. Two new wards were recently opened and the accommodation should be adequate for all normal needs.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that although quite adequate for one establishment, it is not worthy of the very large number of establishments and ships which are in the neighbourhood?

There will be overcrowding from time to time when the Fleet is in, but I am told that the average number of patients is approximately 30 and that there is accommodation for 60.

Can he say what the maximum number has been recently.

Less than 60.