§ 36. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked 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. DAVIDSONTemporary 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. FALLECan the hon. Gentleman say under what Regulation this is done?
§ Major HORE-BELISHACan 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?