HC Deb 21 February 1917 vol 90 cc1311-2
28. Mr. PETO

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether his attention has been called to the offer of Mr. H. A. Barker to treat, without charge, by his system of manipulative surgery officers and men who are disabled by joint injuries; and whether, in view of the evidence of the success of this gentleman's methods, he will take steps to appoint a committee of surgeons to investigate and report upon his methods?

Mr. MACPHERSON

On the general question I have nothing to add to the answers which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for South Down on this subject. It is not proposed to appoint such a committee.

Mr. PETO

Would it not at least be worth while to have the views of eminent orthodox surgeons on this gentleman's work and the evidence he can bring before them?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have seen the views of very eminent surgeons, and they are all against it.

Mr. PETO

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the evidence of people in the highest position who will give him exactly the opposite information?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No, I have not.

Mr. PETO

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to see it?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Certainly.

Mr. LYNCH

What are the surgical qualifications of this gentleman?

Mr. MACPHERSON

It is rather difficult to say. I can only say he is not a qualified medical practitioner or surgeon. His name is not on the Medical Register, and therefore the War Office is precluded from employing him.