HC Deb 03 March 1896 vol 38 c33
DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary for War, whether a medical officer, if he happens to be the senior in rank, is required to exercise disciplinary power, place under arrest, or report for any misconduct, one or any of a number of combatant officers in case of the senior combatant officer not exercising his authority?

MR. BRODRICK

Yes, Sir. The clause in the Army Act which enjoins every officer, whether senior or not and of whatever arm or branch of the Service, to exercise authority in case of disorder, is binding on medical officers.

DR. FARQUHARSON

asked, whether medical officers should not be given to distinctly understand that they may be called upon to exercise a special form of military responsibility?

MR. BRODRICK

They have the Army Act before them, and, like all other officers, they are bound to be acquainted with its provisions.