HC Deb 17 July 1919 vol 118 cc579-80
22. Captain COOTE

asked the Pensions Minister if he will state what is the salary of the president and members respectively of the reassessment boards; whether any pro vision is made to grant holidays to these medical men; and how many doctors have applied for posts under the Ministry of Pensions within the last month?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Presidents of resurvey boards are whole-time officials, whose salaries vary from £650 to £800. Other members are part-time officials paid at the rate of £1 1s. for a session of two and a half hours. All the salaried officials, who are whole-time servants of the Ministry, are entitled to holidays with pay in accordance with the regulations. During the past month 321 medical men have applied for posts in the Ministry of Pensions.

Captain COOTE

Does the hon. Gentleman think that salaries such as he mentioned are sufficient to attract men of the highest ability, and is there now a shortage of medical personnel to be employed?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

As there have been 321 applications from medical men during the last month, the hon. Gentleman will realise that the salaries are sufficient to attract men of capacity and standing.

Sir F. HALL

Will the hon. Gentleman give special attention to applications from officers who have been in the Royal Army Medical Corps?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Preference is given in the appointment of medical men first to those who have been overseas, second to those who have given up their practices at home, and, third, to the ordinary civilian practitioner.