§ Captain Bullockasked the Secretary of State for War to what extent there is a shortage of nursing staff in hospitals in the Mediterranean and North African area; approximately, how many V.A.D.'s are serving in these hospitals; and if it is proposed to increase this number.
§ Sir J. GriggI am glad to say that the strength of the R.A.M.C. nursing staff in hospitals in the Mediterranean Command is only little short of its full establishment and present arrangements for making good such deficiencies are adequate. The answer to the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question is 46. It is not at present proposed to take any special steps to increase this number. V.A.D. members employed in the United Kingdom are releasing R.A.M.C. nursing orderlies for service overseas.