§ 33. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Labour why the Central Medical War Committee is only allowed to recommend 33 medical officers per month for demobilisation in Category B, in spite of the fact that over 100 cases worthy of their recommendation come before them each month.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe number to be released in Class B, in the medical profession as in other professions and occupations, is necessarily limited. Within this limited number the committee are able to deal with the cases where the need is most urgent, in the light of their knowledge of the position over the country as a whole. Releases of medical officers in Class A are of course proceeding concurrently with releases in Class B.
§ Colonel Stoddart-ScottIs the Minister aware that there are three times as many doctors in the Fighting Services as there are in the civilian population; and would he be prepared to increase the number who can come out under Class B, when each month the Central Medical Council has to turn aside many who would be quite worthy of release under Class B?
§ Mr. IsaacsWe do not think it appropriate to interfere further with the Class B scheme, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the question of the relative number in the Forces and in industry is at present under consideration. I hope that I, or another of my colleagues, will be able to make a statement in a few days on this matter.