HC Deb 09 July 1996 vol 281 cc166-7
11. Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in co- ordinating the training and control of the medical services of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. [34907]

Mr. Soames

The Surgeon General is satisfied that the reorganisation of the defence medical services is progressing well.

Mr. Viggers

Does my hon. Friend agree that there has inevitably been turbulence as the medical services of the Army, Navy and Air Force are moved to the Royal hospital, Haslar, in my constituency? Does he share my hope that there will be some stability in future? Will he make a progress statement on the medical college's move to HMS Dolphin, adjoining the Royal hospital, Haslar?

Mr. Soames

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that question. I endorse his view that bringing the three medical services together under one roof inevitably involves a change of culture, and there has been some turbulence. The House can take great satisfaction from the extraordinarily clever and able way in which the medical services have handled themselves in Bosnia. No decision has yet been reached on the college's move from Millbank to HMS Dolphin, although I have noted the splendid case put forward by my hon. Friend, which I am sure is receiving detailed attention. I look forward to giving him what I hope will be positive news later in the year.