§ Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for War how often the company-commander of B Company, 6th Buckinghamshire, Home Guard, or his second in command, has attended during the last twelves months at the headquarters of either No. 1 or No. 2 Platoon between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the 493W nightly parade for the purpose of giving lectures or of inspecting the work in progress; and how often they inspected the pickets on duty outside?
§ Captain MargessonNo records are kept which would enable me to give this information; but I understand that the work of these officers has given satisfaction to their battalion and group commanders. While I am always glad to investigate any criticism of the Army and its administration which is put to me, I think that out of fairness to those concerned it would be better if hon. Members wishing to criticise the conduct of individuals would send me particulars in confidence.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Secretary of State for War why a course for Home Guard medical officers to be held at Cambridge was notified only in the British Medical Journal and not through the usual official channels; and whether he will take steps to see that all Home Guard medical officers have an equal chance of selection for this course?
§ Captain MargessonThe course to which my hon. Friend refers was arranged at short notice by the local military authorities in connection with a series of courses for Royal Army Medical Corps officers which had been organised during the vocation in co-operation with the University authorities. As the time available before the end of the vacation was short and it was doubtful whether sufficient doctors would be able to attend, the Central Medical War Committee arranged for publicity to be given to the course through the British Medical Journal. No discrimination was shown against any doctors who volunteered for the course, which ended on 16th September.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is one of the duties of medical officers in the Home Guard to arrange points at which casualties may be collected for removal by the ambulances of the local authority; and whether civilians who may chance to be wounded in the immediate vicinity will be permitted to make use of such facilities as are available at these points?
§ Captain MargessonIt is one of the duties of Home Guard medical officers to advise battalion and company commanders with regard to the points at which casualties may be collected for removal by ambulances either of the494W local authority or of an Army mobile medical unit, whichever may be nearer. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given him by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on 22nd July last.