HC Deb 11 March 1940 vol 358 cc811-2
8. Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Pensions why, in his recent advertisement for medical men for administrative posts, he has required applicants to be within 35 to 50 years of age, when persons of such ages are needed in the medical service of the Armed Forces; why it is prescribed that preference will be given to medical men holding university qualifications, thus casting doubts upon the value of other medical qualifications; and why the advertisement only appears to have been given to one medical journal?

Sir W. Womersley

With regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the Question put by him on 15th February last. With regard to the latter part of the Question, the possession of a university degree is found to be an advantage for certain types of work for which some of these medical officers are being recruited. I cannot agree that the terms of the advertisement cast any doubts on the value of other medical qualifications. There is at present only a small number of appointments to be made, and the fact that a large number of applications have been received from all parts of the country indicates that adequate publicity has been given.

Mr. Groves

Why is this preference given to medical men holding a university qualification? Is the Minister aware that there are more than one medical union and more than one medical journal? Will he consider consulting them?

Sir W. Womersley

I am advised that for this particular type of work men holding university degrees, because of the studies they have had to take in order to obtain these degrees, are more suitable. As regards the latter part of the question, I will consult my medical advisers.

Mr. Woodburn

Are we to understand from the reply that a degree of the Royal College of Surgeons is regarded as inferior to a university degree?

Sir W. Womersley

I hope the hon. Member will not get any such idea into his mind, or try to convey it to other people.