§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that at a conference of A.O.Cs. held in November, 1947, at an R.A.F. Unit in Germany attended by all doctors, padres and commanding officers of the Wing, M.Os. were reminded that a long-standing regulation required them to divulge to the commanding officer, the names and full medical details of patients under their professional care suffering from venereal disease, these records being accessible to other persons than the C.O.; that as these requirements constitute a breach of the obligation binding members of the medical profession not to divulge to third persons information received in their professional capacity, several medical officers present at the conference expressed reluctance to obey the regulation; and if he will consider its withdrawal.
§ Mr. A. HendersonThe officers who attended this conference were reminded of a King's Regulation which requires a daily sick return, showing the diagnosis and disposal of each case, to be made to the commanding officer. I am aware that at the conference some misgivings were expressed about the Regulation, which is, however, necessary to enable a commanding officer to carry out his duties in regard to the health and welfare of his unit. The situation in the R.A.F. is not analogous with that in civil life. A commanding officer is responsible for the health of his men and for reducing the risk of infection. He must therefore be made aware of cases of venereal disease in his unit. In the circumstances, I cannot agree to the hon. Gentleman's suggestion that this Regulation should be withdrawn.