§ Mr. KETTLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that there are highly qualified and experienced Indian medical practitioners who are not allowed to work even as honorary sur- 594W geons and physicians on the staff of Government hospitals; and whether any steps will be taken to put an end to the existing system, which is detrimental to the interests of all concerned?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe number of surgeons and physicians who can be attached, in whatever capacity, to Government hospitals is necessarily limited. As to the policy of the Secretary of State and the Government of India in regard to medical appointments generally, I would refer the hon. Member to the Papers recently presented to Parliament.
§ Mr. KETTLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the chief medical advisers to the Government of India and to the local governments are to be military officers of the Indian Medical Service; whether the appointment of civil medical practitioners to important posts will depend on the recommendation of these officers; and whether he is aware of the general belief amongst Indians that there can be no real reform so long as the chief posts are reserved for military doctors?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe Secretary of State is not at present in a position to add anything to his answer to the hon. Member's question of 17th June last as to the manner in which the policy recently laid down can be carried into effect.
§ Mr. KETTLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that some London schools of medicine are practically closed to Indian students; and whether he will take steps to see that persons qualified from such schools are not employed by the Government of India in its medical service?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe Secretary of State does not think it advisable to modify the existing arrangement under which the medical services of the Government of India are open to the profession generally.