110. Major DAVIESasked whether a decision has yet been reached as to the comparative rates of pay of those officers in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Territorial Force who held commissions at the outbreak of the War and medical men who have been given temporary commissions in the Royal Army Medical Corps since that date?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)This matter has been referred to the Government Committee on Officers' Pay, and it is hoped that their decision will be announced shortly.
111. Major DAVIESasked, in view of the demand for doctors for purely clinical work both here and in France, he can state the duration of the period of drill which medical officers who join the Royal Army Medical Corps have to undergo before they are able to give their full time to the clinical duties of their profession?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe duration of the course, which includes not only drill, but military sanitation, anti-gas protection, and the duties of a medical officer with troops in the field, depends on the demands which have to be met for overseas reinforcements, and the shipping available, but usually lasts three weeks.
112. Major DAVIESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the position now held by Sir William Babtie; the nature of the duties which he is performing; and the date on which he was appointed to his present position?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONSir William Babtie is in charge of the branch which deals with medical personnel, and has occupied the position since about 20th February, 1917.
113. Major DAVIESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the terms of reference of the Committee which, under the chairmanship of General Sir Francis Howard, is now inquiring into the distribution of the Royal Army Medical Corps in France; whether subordinate officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps have been enabled to communicate directly with the Committee or if such communications are only made through their commanding officers; and whether it is proposed that a similar inquiry shall be undertaken in this country?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThis Committee was appointed by the War Office on its own initiative, and I think that the consideration of such matters as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests had better wait until the Report is received.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI think my hon. and gallant Friend had better wait until we get this Report.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTWhen may we expect an answer?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI hope very soon.