§ 8. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Secretary of State for War how many veterinary surgeons are now serving in the Army in branches other than the R.A.V.C.; and whether, in view of the serious shortage of veterinary surgeons, he will cause any such veterinarians to be either transferred to the R.A.V.C. or placed at the disposal of the Minister of Agriculture for service under his Ministry.
§ Sir J. GriggThe answer to the first part of the Question is 57. Many of them have been trained for combatant duties and my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it will be impossible to withdraw them from their units at the present time. I am, however, considering the transfer of other veterinary surgeons to meet some at least of the requirements of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.
§ Sir G. JeffreysWill my right hon. Friend consider withdrawing in due course those officers who are employed on combatant duties, in view of the great shortage of veterinary surgeons and the great necessity for all qualified men to be practising?
§ Sir J. GriggI will consider it, but I do not by any means hold out any hopes that people will be withdrawn from their very important combatant duties.