HC Deb 15 February 1944 vol 397 cc4-5
11. Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, except in the case of battle injuries requiring immediate treatment, the civilian practice of obtaining written consent to an operation is followed before a soldier undergoes an operation.

Sir J. Griģģ

The oral consent of the soldier is always obtained before an operation is performed on him unless he is too ill to give or refuse consent. In the case of soldiers under 18, the consent of the parent or guardians is obtained in addition, if this is possible.

Mr. Douglas

Is it not desirable that a written consent should be obtained?

Sir J. Griģģ

I do not think that it is practicable, and in any case, though I should hesitate to differ from the hon. Member upon a question of fact, I think that his idea that the practice of obtaining written consent is universal in civil life, is not correct.