§ 65. Major C. S. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for War how many members of the medical profession are employed in administrative posts in the Army or on other duties which do not involve the use of their medical skill; and, in view of the shortage of doctors, both in the services and among the civil population, whether he will arrange for administrative posts in the Royal Army Medical Corps to be filled by men who are not doctors.
§ Sir J. GriggIf my hon. and gallant Friend's Question is taken literally the answer is "None, Sir." But, in view of the general shortage of doctors a detailed investigation has been made of Army medical establishments at home and abroad. Wherever possible officers without medical qualifications have replaced qualified medical officers employed on administrative duties, even in those posts where professional medical knowledge, although not essential, is very useful.
§ Major TaylorAre there not a number of cases of doctors who very rarely if at 530 all use their medical skill and who are doing jobs which I submit are purely administrative in the Royal Army Medical Corps?
§ Sir J. GriggIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman means purely routine administrative jobs I imagine that the medical directors in command or in theatres of war abroad will have to be doctors because their medical knowledge is essential for the proper administration of the medical service.
Mr. de la BèreIs the Secretary of State aware of the shortage of doctors in the rural areas? The matter is really very serious.