§ 7. Sir Francis Fremantleasked the Secretary of State for War why the same prospect of advance to commissioned rank given to nurses and to physiotherapists in overseas Forces is refused to women specially trained as masseuses and to other physiotherapists; and whether he will receive a deputation from the chartered society on the subject?
§ Mr. A. HendersonMasseuses are employed by the War Department as civilians under conditions of employment accepted by the Chartered Society of Massage and Medical Gymnastics. This arrangement is working satisfactorily, and I am not satisfied that the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion would improve the present service of masseuses. But I will gladly see a deputation on the subject.
§ Sir F. FremantleIs it not true that the chartered society entirely disagree with that statement and are very anxious to have commissioned rank, which is not the same thing as being employed as civilians from outside the Army?
§ Mr. HendersonThe deputation will have an opportunity of conveying those views.
§ Dr. HowittIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware how keenly this is desired, not only by the chartered society but by the medical profession, and if he considers granting commissioned rank, will he also bear in mind for the good of the Service how important it will be only to grant commissions to those who have had full training and hold the diploma of the chartered society?
§ Mr. HendersonI will bear all relevant facts in mind.