HC Deb 26 July 1915 vol 73 cc1956-7
84. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether the decision of the War Office is final with regard to the employment of unregistered dental surgeons; whether this is due to the objection of the British Dentists' Organisation; and whether, seeing that trade unionists have waived their rules for the period of the War, the War Office will use its influence to induce this professional union to waive its rules too?

Mr. TENNANT

Registered dentists are employed by the War Office because to be registered a dentist must have complied with conditions which imply a prolonged, practical, and skilled training, tested as to its results by examination. In the interests of the troops it is essential to know that the dentists who treat them have been properly trained. It is not proposed to alter the present practice.

Mr. HOGGE

Does the War Office suggest that these other dentists have not been trained?

Mr. TENNANT

They have not been trained quite so well.

Mr. WATT

Is there a sufficient supply of registered men to meet the War Office demands?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes.