HC Deb 09 July 1917 vol 95 cc1592-3
92. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has yet obtained the promised opinion of the Law Officers as to the employment of manipulative surgeons and osteopoths; and, if so, what is such opinion?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The Law Officers find themselves generally in agreement with the opinion of the right hon. Member for Walthamstow (Sir J. Simon), the hon. and learned Member for York (Mr. Butcher), and the hon. and learned Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Pollock), and are of opinion that, subject to conditions, the War Office may lawfully take certain action. They have advised, however, that the opinion of the General Medical Council should be taken before orders are given with a view to that action.

Mr. PETO

If the Vote for the Medical Service of the War Office is put down for an early date, will the hon. Gentleman be prepared to inform the House as to the final decision arrived at and whether the Medical Council are going to place an embargo upon the employment of these manipulative surgeons for the relief of our wounded soldiers?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I will consider the question.