HC Deb 04 July 1917 vol 95 cc1077-8
7. Mr. CROOKS

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the decisions of the medical board of the India Office are decided by a majority of the members; whether he will consider the advisability of adding a civilian doctor of eminence; and whether some provision for appeal against a decision or for a rehearing can be made, in view of the fact that a decision at the present time, against which no appeal can be made, may in error cut short a promising career in the Indian Service?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The India Office Medical Board consists of a president and one member. Their reports are submitted under their joint signatures. In the event of a difference of opinion, that of the president would no doubt prevail. A suggestion that a civil medical practitioner should be added to these two I.M.S. officers was considered by me in Council about eighteen months ago, but it was considered that there were not sufficient grounds for enlarging the present board. Having regard to the special character of their duties, I attach importance to the possession by the members of the board of experience of the Indian climate and conditions. I am not aware of any such case having occurred as that suggested in the last part of the question. But if the hon. Member can give me particulars, I will look into it. The practice of the board in all doubtful cases is to give the officer the benefit of the doubt, especially when pay or pension is involved.

67. Mr. PALMER

asked the Prime Minister on what date the Cabinet decided to place the Mesopotamia campaign under the complete control of the War Office?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The change was made in February of last year.

62. Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an undertakinng to this House, and thereby to the people of Great Britain, that all political and military administrators censured in the Mesopotamia Report shall forthwith be permanently suspended from the public service; and whether he will afford facilities for the necessary steps to effect the impeachment of one or more of these responsible administrators?

Mr. BONAR LAW

This subject can best be dealt with in the Debate on the Report.

Mr. BILLING

May I ask whether, in view of the position of those Ministers, any comments on the public platform or the public Press will be looked on in the nature of contempt of court?

Mr. BONAR LAW

How can I answer a problematical question of that kind?