§ 44. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of specialists in the three Fighting Services who are being retained beyond the date of the release categories owing to lark of replacements; and what has been the response to the appeal by the Central Medical War Committee for offers of service by specialists in civil life who are above military age.
§ Mr. LawsonThe most up-to-date figures for the numbers of specialists at present retained beyond the release date for their groups are: Army 17, Navy 7, R.A.F. 60. These figures exclude a very small number of specialists who are awaiting replacements due from overseas, or who have already been nominated for release. As regards the second part of the Question, I understand that the Committee have up to the present received offers or inquiries from 20 practitioners. These are now being examined by the Committee.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWhat steps is the right hon. Gentleman proposing to take to protect the careers of these officers from being prejudiced by their retention in the Services?
§ Mr. LawsonThat is another question.