DR. FARQUHARSONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he accepts the statement made by Mr. Denham Robinson, Actuary to the War Office, before the Departmental Committee, presided over by Lord Camper-down, that the rate of mortality among the officers of the Army Medical Department is nearly double that among combatant officers, or in the proportion of seven combatant officers to 13 medical officers serving; and whether, in view of this high mortality, he is prepared tore-consider the question of allowing the medical officers only six months of sick leave as compared with the twelve months which are granted to combatant officers?
§ * MR. E. STANHOPETaking the years of service as from 24 to 55, the loss by death out of 1,000 combatant officers would be 335.2, as compared with 497.7 out of 1,000 medical officers—nearly two to three. This medical mortality is based on the experience of the years 1852 to 1871. As I stated in reply to a previous question, the increase of sick leave is a question of expense, as substitutes would have to be provided.