23. Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYasked the Secretary of State for War whether officers in the Royal Army Medical Corps are refused permission to resign their commissions; and, if so, why are they being placed under a disability which is not experienced in any other branch of the Service?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI regret that, at present, only in exceptional circumstances, such as ill-health, can permission be granted for officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps to retire. This decision was rendered necessary owing to the shortage of medical officers fit for general service, to the large number of applications 1525 for permission to retire which have been received, and to the heavy demands from overseas for the services of officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps.
§ Captain ELLIOTWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of raising the pay of the officers in the employ of the Royal Army Medical Corps to an equivalent of what a practitioner can make in private practice?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat would not meet the immediate emergency.
§ Captain ELLIOTSurely it would attract men from civil practice, and by bringing in fresh recruits liberate those who wish to retire?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman refer to a Harley Street or a Hackney standard as the equivalent?