23. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that when Mr. H. Hawkins, late of His Majesty's Gunwharf, Portsmouth, was examined by the medical referee there were four military surgeons and one civilian surgeon present at the examination; if so, will he state whether they were present at the request of the War Office; whether Hawkins had the opportunity of inviting medical men to be present in his interest; and, if not, why he was not given the opportunity?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. H. Baker)One officer of the Royal Army Medical Corps was present at the physical examination of Mr. Hawkins. A representative of the Treasury and two other military officers (one of whom was solely concerned in another case) were in attendance in another room to give information if necessary as required by regulations. There is no reason to suppose that the medical referee would have objected to a medical man attending with Mr. Hawkins in his interest, but that is not a matter which rests with the military authorities.