§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, If it is the case that the course of special instruction and ultimate examination hitherto required and passed by officers of the Indian Army Medical Service is to be abolished; whether the statement of the officer at the head of the Medical Service concerning the proposed change in the Bengal Presidency, quoted by The British Medical Journal, July 21, 1883, is correct—namely, that it is no longer necessary; what reasons are given for such change by the Indian Government; and, whether it is intended to substitute any other course for that it is proposed to abolish?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)With regard to the first and second para- 531 graphs of the hon. Member's Question, I have to state that no such decision has been arrived at. The matter is still under the consideration of the Secretary of State and the Government of India. In answer to the third paragraph, I have to state that the reason given in favour of change is that the special instruction can be given better and at less expense in India. In answer to the fourth paragraph, I have to state that if the present course were abolished a course of special instruction would be given in India.