§ 22. Mr. Hammersleyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the complaints reaching him concerning inadequate medical attention in the Armed Forces; and whether he can make a statement?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Sir James Grigg)Individual complaints about the Army medical services reach the War Office from time to time from various sources. The complaints are always investigated and I am glad to say that in most cases they are found to be without foundation. When there is ground for complaint it is the fault either of an individual or of the local administrative machinery and action is at once taken to avoid a repetition of the fault. I am not, however, aware that there is any body of complaint about the general organisation and administration of the Army medical services. In general, considering the special difficulties with which Army doctors have to contend and the impossibility of meeting the Army's full requirement of doctors, I am satisfied that the medical service given by the Army is good. An investigation is in fact now proceeding to ensure that medical officers at home are used to the best advantage of the Army. My view is borne out by tributes paid by all ranks to the work done by the medical services with the Army overseas. A short account of these services during the operations in Tunisia 1196 was given in an answer to the late hon. Member for St. Albans (Sir F. Fremantle) on 22nd June.
§ Mr. HammersleyCould my right hon. Friend say anything about recent improvements in the early diagnosis of tuberculosis in the Army?
§ Sir J. GriggI could not without notice.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenAre there not general complaints of a shortage of soap and beer as well included in many letters which come to this country from the Middle East?
§ Sir J. GriggI do not know that soap or beer are medical stores.