HC Deb 27 February 1934 vol 286 c908
2. Captain CUNNINGHAM-REID

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, seeing that the regulations of the service call for an annual inspection of the medical fitness of officers, he will consider issuing instructions that such inspection shall, in the case of general officers, be held either by an officer of the Royal Army Medical Corps at least equal in rank or by a civilian medical practitioner?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)

It is not considered desirable to adopt the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend in view of the practical difficulties that it would involve.

Captain CUNNINGHAM-REID

Is it not unnatural to expect a junior officer to give an unfavourable report on a senior officer?

Mr. COOPER

No, I do not think so.

Brigadier-General NATION

Is it not a fact that the number of general officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps is very small, and that they are almost entirely employed in administrative duties.

Mr. COOPER

That is the reason why the practical difficulties would be so great.