§ 66. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the duties of Colonel Dr. Edward Vere Hodge, his qualifications, and his salary; how many posts he holds; whether he receives separate salaries for all the posts; and why this appointment was made over the heads of responsible medical chiefs in the East of Scotland?
§ Mr. ColvilleColonel Vere Hodge was recently appointed under the Emergency Medical Service as part-time visiting physician to Bang our Hospital at a salary of £650 per annum. He holds the degree of Doctor of Medicine, is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London, and was formerly Professor of Medicine in the University of Calcutta. His appointment was made on the recommendation of the Committee of Consultants who advise me in connection with appointments to the Emergency Medical Service and was approved by the Scottish Central War Committee. Colonel Vere Hodge holds appointments under the University of Edinburgh as lecturer in tropical diseases and as temporary deputy to the Professor of Medicine. He receives separate remuneration for these appointments and does not engage in private practice.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the Minister aware that there is great dissatisfaction among the medical profession that a man skilled in tropical diseases should be sent to 583 supervise the diseases of the people in Scotland, and is he further aware that this gentleman never set foot in Scotland prior to this appointment, and knows nothing about the traditions of Scottish medicine?
§ Mr. ColvilleHe was recommended for the appointment by some of the most prominent Scottish doctors who serve on this committee, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that this appointment has not caused the dissatisfaction which he alleges.