§ 28. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of a qualified dental surgeon, medically classed B 3, who has been serving as a private in a labour battalion since December, 1917, and as such has been doing general fatigue work, including emptying spittoons, emptying coal trucks, washing floors, carrying furniture, and carrying sacks of potatoes; and, if so, whether the services of a qualified dental surgeon cannot be used to greater advantage in attending to our soldiers' teeth, thereby increasing their efficiency and reducing preventable sickness, suffering, and loss of man-power?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNothing is known at the War Office of the case to which my hon. Friend refers. Perhaps he would furnish me with definite particulars of the unit and regimental number to enable me to inquire.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTIf these definite particulars are furnished to the hon. Gentleman, may the House be assured that no detriment will result to the men concerned?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI think that I can give that assurance.
§ Mr. PENNEFATHERMight I ask if the hon. Gentleman has not received the definite particulars which I sent him, giving the name of the man, his regiment and number, and all the details?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONVery likely I have, but, as the House will realise, I receive quantities of letters, and I cannot remember.