§ 20. Mr. GLYN-JONESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office have during the past few weeks engaged as civilian dispensers in military hospitals qualified pharmacists on the condition that they received 40s. a week with free rations and free accommodation; and whether the War Office will permit the pharmacists so engaged to enlist for the purpose of performing the same duties and receiving therefore the same emoluments as they now receive from the War Office as civilians?
§ Mr. TENNANTIf the men in question are of military age and are otherwise fit to enlist, they could do so, but they would be required to come on the ordinary Royal Army Medical Corps rates of pay.
§ Mr. GLYN-JONESThen the War Office is not prepared to pay them the 817 same rate of pay inside the Army as they are prepared to pay for exactly the same skilled work to civilians?
§ Mr. TENNANTI do not know whether that is an accurate statement of the comparison between the two rates. Local commanders, I understand, have encouraged the service of these men on a temporary basis, and they are paid—as are all people engaged temporarily—at a higher rate than if they came on the permanent rate.
§ Mr. GLYN-JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the Pharmaceutical Society with a view to meeting any further need there may be for the use of pharma—cists in the Army or Navy?
§ Mr. TENNANTI shall be very glad to make use of their assistance.