13. Dr. VERNON DAVIESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the dispensing of medicines for men in the Army by dispensers who undergo a short period of training is, in the opinion of the Army authorities, performed adequately and economically; and will he, in the interests or economy, introduce the same system into the Navy, and not engage any more fully trained pharmacists?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI am unable to accept the suggestion of the hon. Member that the replacement of fully trained Pharmacists in the Naval Service by dispensers trained in the manner proposed would make for economy, nor do I think that the conditions in the two Services are so analogous as to make such a change practicable. Fully trained Pharmacists are employed only in Naval Hospitals and in the Naval Medical Store Depot. Pharmacists carry out their duties besides those of dispensing. They are responsible, in addition, for the supply of medical stores to the Fleet and for medical store duties in hospitals. Sick Berth ratings are instructed in dispensing duties only so far as they relate to the stores in the service afloat scales, and they perform such duties under the supervision of the medical officer of the ship, who is personally responsible for the correct issue and use of all drugs.
Dr. DAVIESAm I to understand that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is taking up the position that there is a difference between dispensing for men in the Navy, and dispensing for men in the Army?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI cannot answer for the Army. I can only tell the hon. Member what I believe to be in the best interests of the Navy.