§ 3. Dr. Edith Summerskillasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that it is in the best interests of the Army that officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps should be permitted to attend, for fees, private patients outside the service; and on what grounds he differentiates these cases from those of members of other callings or trades wishing to supplement their Army pay?
§ Mr. EdenOfficers of the Royal Army Medical Corps are not permitted to set up in private practice in competition with civilian medical practitioners, but they are free to act in a consultative capacity or do other similar work of a casual nature which does not interfere with the performance of their military duties, and I think this is a beneficial arrangement.
§ Dr. SummerskillHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the difficulties created for commanding officers of units by this rule? A commanding officer is frequently asked by a man for extra leave in order to see private patients, and consequently he has to get other men to do the work in the unit. Does the right hon. Gentleman think this is conducive to harmony?
§ Mr. EdenThis rule has been in operation since 1924, and I am told it works very well. On the face of it, it seems to be a reasonable arrangement.
§ Sir Francis FremantleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the difficulties of supplying the needs of the civilian population are very great? Surely it is only right that doctors, whether Army or civilian, should be used whenever required?