HC Deb 23 August 1916 vol 85 cc2683-4W
Major CHAPPLE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been brought to his notice that many surgeons in military hospitals prescribe no alcohol in any form whatever, while others prescribe champagne, wines, spirits, beer, and stout; and whether he will, in the interest of wounded men as well as in the interest of hospital economy, cause instructions to be issued that, when alcohol is deemed by a medical officer to be beneficial, it shall be prescribed through the hospital chemist only in its medicinal for as set out in the British Pharmacopoeia and not in the form of a beverage?

Mr. FORSTER

The prescription of alcohol must be left to the discretion of the medical officer attending the case. It is not considered practicable to arrange for the supply of beer and such beverages through the hospital dispensary.