HC Deb 04 October 1939 vol 351 cc1956-7
65. Sir F. Fremantle

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the absence of arrangements for the continuous medical supervision of first-aid posts and for the continued training of the first-aid parties attached to such posts; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. Elliot

Arrangements were made before the outbreak of war whereby a medical officer attached to each first-aid post undertook for an annual fee to conduct the collective training of the personnel of the post, under the general supervision of the medical officer of health. These arrangements are still in operation.

Sir F. Fremantle

Does my right hon. Friend realise that while what was required in peace-time represented a very small amount of work that what is now required calls for an infinitely greater amount of work, and that medical officers cannot possibly attend without further remuneration?

Mr. Elliot

Later this week I am receiving some doctors who took part in the organisation of first-aid posts and I should prefer not to say anything further on the subject at present.

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask whether the inference to be drawn from this is that these doctors are not willing to help the State unless they are paid for it?