§ 110. Mr. PATRICK O'BRIENasked on what special grounds Lieutenant Bertie Black, of Dublin, a highly qualified dentist, has been repeatedly refused an appointment as Army dentist, sometimes for the reason of the list of candidates awaiting their turn for appointment; if this is so, will he explain why advertisements are kept in the Press in Ireland and England calling for dentists to serve in the Army; and if Lieutenant Black will not be appointed in Ireland, will the War Office grant him exemption from the Army Act to enable him to practise in Great Britain?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Macpherson)Mr. Black was not selected for a commission. As there is a large field of selection. it does not follow that, when an individual applies for a commission, he will be selected. I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that advertisements for dentists have been inserted by the War Office in the Press. As regards the last part of the question, if the reference is to the Military Service Acts, the; answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. O'BRIENCan the hon. Gentleman say if anyone has authority to insert these advertisements except the War Office, and, if not, by whose authority are advertisements now appearing?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe War Office gave no instructions whatever for the issue of these advertisements in papers for dentists.