§ 11. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Labour whether all medical practitioners who are now to be called up for military service according to their age groups are given a commission; what is the position of such medical practitioners when they decline a commission; and whether those who so decline will be compelled to serve in a non-medical capacity in the ranks or will be allowed to continue medical work of a civil character?
§ Mr. E. BrownNo medical practitioner will be called up for military service without being offered a commission as a medical officer. I cannot believe that medical practitioners called up in these circumstances would decline to accept a commission, but if such a case should arise, the man concerned clearly could not be allowed on that account to escape his liability for military service.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I take it that if a medical practitioner does refuse a commission, he will be called upon to serve in the ranks?
§ Mr. BrownHe will have his liability for military service subject to the general law, which applies to all in the same way.