HC Deb 05 August 1925 vol 187 c1338
20. Mr. HARRISON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will arrange for medical advice and treatment to be given to wives of naval officers whenever possible?

Mr. DAVIDSON

The wives of a few naval officers serving in shore establishments and paid out of Vote. 8 may be attended, free of charge, by the naval medical officer of the establishment, provided his duties permit, but I regret that, in view of the urgent need for economy, it is not possible to arrange for the extension of this privilege to the wives of naval officers generally.

Mr. HARRISON

Is this privilege at present extended to the families of naval officers, and in view of the fact that it is extended to the wives of Army officers generally, can he not reconsider the matter?

Mr. DAVIDSON

I am afraid it would cost a considerable amount of money to extend it, and at present we cannot do it even if other Services do it.