HC Deb 23 July 1901 vol 97 cc1327-8
MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)

I beg to ask the Secre- partly composed of Regulars and partly of Militia, and to organise the Auxiliary forces, not allotted to army corps or garrisons, for the defence of London and for the defensible positions in advance, and for the defence of mercantile ports. (e) Subject to the foregoing considerations, and to their financial obligations, to aim at being able, in case of necessity, to send abroad two complete army corps, with cavalry division and line of communication. But it will be distinctly understood that the probability of the employment of an army corps in the field in any European war is sufficiently improbable to make it the primary duty of the military authorities to organise our forces efficiently for the defence of this country. 1st June, 1891. E. S. tary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that there is no dental surgeon appointed to look after the teeth of the boys, orphans of British soldiers, at the Duke of York's School, Chelsea, or at the corresponding school for girls; and, having regard to the importance of a sound mouth to the children, and to the fact that many of the boys join the Army, whether such appointment will be made without further delay.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY, Lancashire, Westhoughton)

Simple cases are dealt with by the medical officer. Occasionally when special treatment has been required the boys have been sent to a dental surgeon or to the dental hospital. This would appear sufficient.

MR. CATHCART WASON

Will the noble Lord allow an independent examination to be made of the boys—at the expense of private individuals—in order to show the necessity for a dental surgeon?

LORD STANLEY

No, Sir; I cannot give any such undertaking.