HC Deb 05 September 1940 vol 365 c25
42. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether doctors in civilian practice who served in the Navy in the last war will be given priority of appointment on application to join up as surgeons or otherwise?

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Captain Austin Hudson)

The Admiralty, who make appointments of temporary medical officers on the recommendation of the Central Medical War Committee, at present require only young officers, mostly for seagoing appointments in small ships. The rank and responsibilities which newly entered officers are given would thus not be suitable for medical officers who served in the last war and who have now had long service in their profession.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether these older officers are not better than the younger ones and have they not acquired skill in dealing with special diseases?

Captain Hudson

We want up-to-date officers.