§ MR. BRUNNER (Cheshire, Northwich)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary for War whether he is aware that during the recent evictions on the Ponsonby Estate, near Youghal, Surgeon Raymond, of the Cameronians, was called in by the sub-sheriff to certify to the fitness or unfitness for removal of an old woman, the mother of a tenant, although a certificate of a duly qualified medical man practising in Youghal had been previously furnished to the effect that the woman was not fit to be removed; and whether an Army surgeon accompanying Her Majesty's troops on such duty is at the call of a sheriff or sub-sheriff for such a purpose?
§ MR. BRODRICKThe medical officer in question did, at the request of the sub-sheriff, examine a woman and certified that she was unfit for removal. An Army surgeon is certainly not at the call of a civil official, if compliance would interfere with his proper duties; but otherwise he would be expected to give his professional advice or opinion if asked to do so in a case of illness.
§ MR. BRUNNERArising out of the answer, may I ask whether steps will be taken to minimise the employment of our gallant soldiers in connection with disagreeable work of this character?
§ MR. BRODRICKYes, Sir; as far as possible.