§ 95. Mr. DILLONasked the Minister of National Service whether his attention has been drawn to the scarcity of medical men and to the danger that the supply of medical men after the conclusion of peace may, for some years, be wholly insufficient; and whether, in view of this state of things, he will see that no bonâfide medical student entered before 1st November, 1917, is called up for military or any other service?
§ The MINISTER of NATIONAL SERVICE (Sir Auckland Geddes)The outlook with regard to the supply of medical men, and the question of military service as it affects medical students, has been under my careful review. The general policy I have adopted is to aim at maintaining a minimum output of 1,000 newly-qualified medical men per annum. This year no improvement can be made. In 1918 and 1919 the output will be below the desired minimum, though, I hope, approaching it. Arrangements have already been made that students serving in the Army who have completed two years of medical studies, and who had begun their studies prior to 1st August, 1914, may claim to be returned to their studies. The hon. Member's suggestions will be carefully considered in connection with the general review.