§ 24. Mr. Bellengerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the medical services of female medical officers are confined to members of the Women's Royal Naval Service; and whether officers and ratings of the Royal Navy can be compelled to undergo medical examination by female medical officers?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)As things stand at present, it would be very exceptional for women medical officers to examine personnel other than members of the Women's Royal Naval Service and the Nursing Services, but in an emergency, if a male medical officer were not available, it might be necessary for an officer or rating of the Royal Navy to undergo examination or treatment by a woman medical officer.
§ Mr. BellengerWould it be only in a case where a male medical officer was not available?
§ Mr. AlexanderI should think that would be the position. We have not a large number of women medical officers.
§ Sir Francis FremantleHas not the First Lord appointed only one female medical officer so far?
§ Mr. StephenDo male medical officers examine women in the W.R.N.S.?
§ Mr. AlexanderYes, Sir.
§ Dr. SummerskillThey all do.
§ Mr. ThorneWhy all this fuss about female medical officers? Is it not a fact that a large Turkish and vapour baths in Stockholm is managed only by women?