HC Deb 13 February 1917 vol 90 cc429-31
19. Mr. MacVEAGH

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office still adheres to its objection to using the skill of experts in manipulative surgery; whether some of the leading exponents of this method of treatment have offered to give their services free to suffering soldiers and their offers have been rejected; whether there is any reason for this rejection beyond the objection of the medical faculty against the recognition of unqualified practitioners; and whether, as these practitioners have cured thousands of cases in which the faculty had been powerless, immediate steps will be taken to make the fullest possible use of the services tendered?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend who was then Under-Secretary of State to the late Sir Arthur Markham on the 28th March last.

Sir J. D. REES

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the extremely strong and numerous testimonies to the efficacy of this system which are being circulated?

Mr. MacVEAGH

May I ask whether we may take it that the War Office declines to go into this question further?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Yes, I think you may.

Mr. MacVEAGH

May I ask, in view of that scandal, whether an independent Commission will be appointed, composed of men of high attainments, but not members of the medical profession?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The rule is quite clear. We cannot appoint in the Army Medical Service anybody whose names are not on the medical register.

Mr. PRINGLE

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the relaxation of trade union rules in this sphere as well as in the production of munitions?

Mr. MacVEAGH

Does he mean to say that the Army Medical Department of the War Office does not consider the cases of hundreds of thousands of soldiers who are going through unnecessary suffering simply because of professional prejudice?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I can assure him that nothing of the kind exists. The care and attention and skill bestowed on the officers and men of the Army have received from all hands the highest testimonials.

Mr. MacVEAGH

This is a most important matter, and I ask the indulgence of the House if I put a further question. Is it not admitted by the medical profession, and by all the heads of the medical profession in this country, that they have not received education in manipulative surgery and that great results have been achieved by the men who have got education in this surgery, and why should the country allow the pundits of the War Office to insist on refusing recognition to these men who can alleviate suffering? I give notice that I shall put down another question, and if I do not obtain a satisfactory reply I shall raise the matter 011 the Adjournment.