§ 12. Mr. SCRYMGEOURasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now prepared to publish the Report presented in 1922 by the Joint Committee on the subject of pharmacy in the Army; and whether the Army Council are now willing to accept the modified requirements of the Pharmaceutical Society as presented by a deputation thereof to the Director-General, Army Medical Services, at the War Office in May, 1923?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)The Report of the Committee referred to was published by the Stationery Office last year in response to the wishes expressed by Members of this House. As regards the second part, of the question, the Army Council are satisfied that the requirements of the Army in regard to pharmacy and dispensing are adequately met under present arrangements, and they would not be justified in incurring the expense of carrying out the changes advocated by the Pharmaceutical Society.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURSeeing that there was agreement between the Army Medical Service Department and those who represent the pharmacy interests, is it not now recognised by the Department that there should be an improvement on the lines of those recommendations that were eventually made, as modified?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI think the Service as now administered is an improvement on the past, and it is adequate.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman not prepared to take the same care to safeguard the interests of the soldier that is taken to safeguard the interests of the civilian population?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSOh, at least as great.