§ 26. Mr. Simmonsasked the Secretary of State for War if Army medical officers still prescribe "Medicine and duty"; and if the No. 9 pill is still in use.
§ Mr. SoamesThe answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir", and to the second, "No, Sir".
§ Mr. SimmonsWould the Minister not agree that the old type medical officer had a very sharp eye for the scrounger and the "phoney"? If this treatment is still available, why is it not applied to lazy layabouts and neurotic nincompoops who seem to get discharged from the Army on the least possible pretext?
§ Mr. SimmonsIs the old-fashioned treatment reserved for privates who have no pull with the Press and are therefore likely to suffer injustice in silence?
§ Mr. SoamesThe Question refers to "Medicine and duty" and the No. 9 pill. "Medicine and duty" is a formula which has become enshrined in Army custom 1261 and, in fact, means that it is not necessary for a man to return to see the medical officer. The No. 9 pill ceased to be used by the Army at about the same time as the hon. Gentleman left it.
§ 27. Mr. Simmonsasked the Secretary of State for War in what proportion of cases coming before Army medical officers during the past twelve months "Medicine and duty" and, or, a No. 9 pill has been prescribed.
§ Mr. SoamesNo central record is kept of minor prescriptions.
§ Mr. SimmonsIn view of the disquiet about the easy release of certain individuals, would it not be advisable to keep these records, and if, as the Minister says, the "Medicine and duty" formula is still used, why was not Terry Dene given medicine and duty?