HL Deb 12 April 1916 vol 21 cc698-9
THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

My Lords, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government what are the conditions of remuneration granted to medical officers for passing recruits.

LORD SANDHURST

My Lords, the reply to the noble Marquess's Question is that medical recruiting officers have no pecuniary interest in passing recruits. The ordinary fee is 2s. 6d. per recruit examined. It is not the case that medical officers are paid only for recruits whom they pass as sound. There has been some misunderstanding as regards that, and I am glad to have the opportunity of making it clear. The system of payment by fees does not apply when large numbers are dealt with. The local military authorities are authorised in such cases to fix a scale, subject to the condition that the rate of 2s. 6d. a recruit examined is not exceeded and that £2 is the maximum payment for a full day.