§ 19. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that medical men fresh from the schools receive 24s.—more than a major's pay—whilst medical officers who have for years been training with the Territorial Force and who have in many eases left large practices receive only the pay of their rank and neither the allowances granted in the field, the £60 gratuity at termination of the War, nor prospect of pension, he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to more equitable treatment being given to the more experienced officers?
Mr. BAKERAs I have already explained in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds on 3rd instant, it may be found necessary to give special rates to officers commissioned on emergency, but there is no intention of making this universal. I should add that a major in the Royal Army Medical Corps receives 28s. a day in pay and field allowance, while the medical officer specially commissioned receives 24s., inclusive of all cash allowances.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the enormous amount of money which these medical officers are losing in their practices? And will he seriously consider the feeling of injustice which is caused?
Mr. BAKERThe hon. Member is right in saying that a great many medical officers have made very considerable sacrifices; but I am afraid it is quite impossible to contemplate individual sacrifices.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIs there any reason why those who did their duty before the War began and were ready at once should make sacrifices rather than those who joined after the War began?