§ 18. Mr. PETOasked whether it is proposed to take any further steps to stop the spread of infection by venereal poisons among British troops; whether there is any Army Order which forbids or discourages the necessary prophylactic medical measures; and whether it is proposed to issue an Army Order instructing Army medical officers of superior rank to take the necessary action as a part of their regular medical duties?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThere is no Army Order authorising the use of such preventives or forbidding them. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. PETODoes the hon. Gentleman not think that the time has arrived when the prejudices of purists in morality should no longer be allowed to diminish the effective man-power of the Army?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI think my hon. Friend would be the first to recognise that this is really a national question and not so much a military question.