HC Deb 18 July 1905 vol 149 cc1164-5

Order for Third Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a third time".

GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)

explained that the Bill was intended to carry out the principle of reciprocity between the mother country and Canada in the matter of medical education. A special reason for the introduction of the Bill was that during the war in South Africa a number of medical men volunteered to serve with the Army, but the War Office said it was contrary to our law for them to attend a British soldier or to hold any official appointment. This Bill would enable these doctors to enter the service of this country as if they had been born here, and would also give an opportunity to any medical man going from this country to take up his profession in Canada. He trusted that the House would agree to the Third Reading.

MR. CALDWELL (Lanarkshire, Mid.)

said he did not rise to object to this Bill. He had a difficulty in regard to this measure, and he thought it was only right that he should inform the House what it was. Already they had reciprocity between this country and their Colonies, and so far so good. In the case of Canada the reciprocity could only be through the central Government in Canada. It also happened that there was Home Rule in Canada. They had local Governments there, and some of them might refuse to give reciprocity to medical men in this country. Under this Bill those provincial councils would come in to reap the benefit.

GENERAL LAURIE

No.

MR. CALDWELL

said he did not think that our medical men could go to those provincial localities and practice, whereas anyone could come from Canada to this country and practice. He would not press his objection now, but he thought that it was only right that he should state his reasons for objecting. These questions were always carefully considered by him, and whenever they came up he could always give a substantial reason why he objected to any Bill.