§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the unsatisfactory condition of the medical service of the Volunteers, more particularly to the anomalous position of the brigade-bearer companies; and whether it is proposed to so organise the Volunteer medical service as to assimilate it to the regular medical service of the Army, both as regards rank to the medical officers and the organisation of the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps and the brigade-bearer companies, and thereby render it effective as one of the departments of the Volunteer force?
MR. POWELL WILLIAMSAn increased establishment has been given to all companies of the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps, in order to complete the personnel for transport sections. An 1027 allowance will also be given to them to enable them to practise transport duties. There is no intention to make an alteration in the rank of Volunteer medical officers. The question of the reorganisation of the Volunteer infantry brigade-bearer companies is under consideration.