44. Dr. Morganasked the Secretary of State for War since when have the drugs sulphapyridine and sulphathiazole been used by Army medical officers in Great Britain for the treatment of syphilis; what Departmental circular or instructions issued to medical officers contain this advice; and what representations have been made to the War Office authorities to see that the best drug is used for our soldiers when disabled by this disease?
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Arthur Henderson)The drug used in the Army for the treatment o syphilis are neoarsphenamine, bismuth and in some cases mapharside. I am sorry that owing to an oversight the wrong drugs were named for the treatment of this disease in the answer given 1311 to my hon. Friend on 28th January. Instructions about the use of these drugs are contained in the specific and general instructions issued to medical officers employed in the treatment of venereal diseases. The Army medical authorities receive suggestions from time to time for improvements in this treatment. These suggestions are always carefully considered.
Dr. MorganWhile I thank my hon. and learned Friend for the correction, could he give the House an assurance that this dreadful mistake of recommending the wrong drugs was not made by his Departmental Venereal Adviser, but by some official?
§ Mr. HendersonYes, I can give that assurance. It was made in the secretarial department.
§ Mr. McKinlayDoes that mean that the professional man cannot make any mistake?
§ Mr. HendersonNot in this case.