§ 24. Colonel YATEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the Army Council will consider the question of altering paragraph 483 of the Regulations for the Army Medical Service, so as to admit of the wives and families of officers resident at a station within the prescribed radius receiving medical attendance and medicines during the temporary absence of their husbands on duty elsewhere?
§ Mr. FORSTERI would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that medical attendance on families is a privilege and not a right. If the absence of an officer from his station is temporary, and for a short period, attendance on his family is continued.
§ Colonel YATEWhat is the limit of time which is allowed?
§ Mr. FORSTERI do not think there is any definite rule. If the absence may be properly described as temporary absence medical attendance will continue, but if an officer were to go away for a long period I think it would not.