26. Dr. VERNON DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for War what is the present position with regard to medical officers in the Army; if there are any signs of more satisfactory recruitment to this service; and, if not, can he state the reasons for the present position?
§ Mr. SANDERSThe present shortage of regular Royal Army Medical Corps officers is approximately 140, and my right hon. Friend is in consultation with the Army Medical Advisory Board as to the causes of this shortage and the possible remedies.
Dr. DAVIESDoes the hon. Gentleman notice that I asked him if he could state the reasons for the present position. Can he do that?
§ Mr. SANDERSThe question asks what is the present position with regard to medical officers, if there are any signs of more satisfactory recruitment, and, if not, what are the reasons for the present position. My right hon. Friend is making a comprehensive inquiry—
§ Sir WILLIAM MITCHELL-THOMSONNo. 363.
§ Mr. SANDERS—through the usual channels of the Army Medical Advisory Board, and he will probably be able to add further information in the debate which, I believe, is going to take place.