HC Deb 19 May 1915 vol 71 cc2353-4W
Colonel WHITE

asked the Under-Secretary for War if the machinery recommended by the Committee which recently considered the question of invalided and discharged soldiers has yet been set up; and if he can give details as to its operations in the future?

Mr. BAKER

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject at present.

Mr. ANDERSON

asked whether the bulk of the dispensing for sick and wounded soldiers is done by men who are not qualified chemists; whether numbers of chemists have offered their services to the Army as pharmacists and have been refused; and whether there are vacancies for such men, and upon what terms?

Mr. TENNANT

The dispensing of the Army is mainly done by non-commissioned officers who have qualified as Army dispensers after the authorised course of training. Others holding certificates of the Pharmaceutical Society or diplomas issued by the Societies of Apothecaries, or possessing other satisfactory evidence of being competent dispensers, were enlisted under the Special Army Order of 4th August. A number of chemists and dispensers have also enlisted in the ordinary way, and at present there is no need for more.

Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITH

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether wounded soldiers on their return from the War are discharged before convalesence; and and whether, when this takes place, he will consider the propriety of continuing their Army pay until the period of convalescence is completed?

Mr. BAKER

A wounded soldier considered to be permanently unfit for further service is brought before a Medical Board and may be discharged from the Service before complete convalescence is attained. He can, however, remain in hospital as a free patient until it is considered advisable that he should leave, and during this period he draws any pension or disability pension awarded him. All insured soldiers while suffering from disability are entitled, on discharge from the Service, to full benefit under the National Insurance Act except that, as provided by the Select Committee on Pensions, sickness and disablement benefits are reduced by 5s. a week for men who are drawing the total disability pension at the new rate.

Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITH

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether wounded soldiers who have received their discharge may be allowed to wear their uniform during the continuance of the War?

Mr. TENNANT

This suggestion has been carefully considered, but the Army Council do not think it is desirable to adopt it.