77. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the members of the National Association of Trained Masseurs have made application for appointment as masseurs in military hospitals, and that although their qualifications are as good as those of persons who have been appointed their applications have been refused; and whether he will state why the War Office refuses to avail itself of these fully trained masseurs?
§ Mr. TENNANTAppointments of masseurs in military hospitals are made without reference to the institute or asso- 1672 ciation to which the individual applicant may happen to belong. They are selected by an advisory committee consisting of masseurs, matrons, and medical men. Certain qualifications have been laid down which candidates must possess before appointment. Each candidate is reported on individually and no candidate is rejected if possessed of the necessary qualifications.
Mr. WILSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that forty members of this association applied for appointments and were all refused, and that quite a number of the applicants were trained hospital nurses in addition to the qualifications as members of the association?
§ Mr. TENNANTIf the hon. Gentleman gives me the particulars I will inquire.