HC Deb 01 July 1915 vol 72 cc1925-6
32. Sir J. LONSDALE

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty the terms of the new arrangements made with medical consultants at Royal Naval hospitals?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

The new arrangement is that seven consultants should be given temporary commissions as Surgeons-General, with the pay and allowances of that rank, namely:—

£ s. d.
Full pay 1,300 0 0 per annum.
House allowance 70 0 0 per annum.
and two temporary commissions as Fleet surgeons of ten years' seniority, with the pay and allowances of that rank, namely:—
£ s. d.
Full pay 638 15 0 per annum.
House allowance 50 0 0 per annum.
Hospital allowance 53 0 0 per annum.
As in the case of other naval medical officers, they have been informed that their appointments will not entirely preclude their engaging in private practice, provided it is clearly understood that such practice does not interfere with the performance of their naval duties.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would have been better if this practice had been availed of from the beginning instead of having salaries of £5,000?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot answer that question, but I will say on behalf of these very distinguished gentlemen that they readily acquiesced in this alteration in the most patriotic way.

Mr. WATT

Is the effect of the answer that nine men are being employed in this capacity instead of five?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No, there were seven consultants and then there were two others; we have not added to them.