HC Deb 01 July 1925 vol 185 cc2506-7
36. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the position of a temporary masseuse in regard to charge and supervision of chief petty officers, petty officers, and other ratings of the sick-berth branch employed as qualified masseurs; whether the head and other nursing sisters in naval hospitals have authority over sick-berth ratings under the provisions of the Naval Discipline Act; and whether he will take steps to prevent any ratings of the sick-berth branch from being placed in a false position by reason of females in naval hospitals not understanding their position?

Mr. DAVIDSON

Temporary masseuses have no charge or supervision of ratings of the sick-berth branch qualified as masseurs. Head and other nursing sisters have no authority, under the Naval Discipline Act, over naval ratings; but it is competent for the medical officer of a hospital to place a massage sister in charge of cases, just as could be done with a male civilian specialist, and to direct the sick-berth staff to follow her directions while in charge of such cases. The Admiralty is not aware of dissatisfaction with the existing arrangements in this matter.

Sir B. FALLE

Can the hon. Gentleman say under what Regulation this is done?

Mr. DAVIDSON

It is not a Regulation, it is a matter of expediency.

Major HORE-BELISHA

Can the hon. Gentleman say if there is any truth in the last part of the question, that the ratings are in a false position by reason of these females?

Mr. DAVIDSON

No truth whatever.