HC Deb 14 February 1918 vol 103 cc289-90W
Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, according to Army Council Instructions, officers in medical charge of units have to examine all men on joining to see if they require dental treatment; if so, whether such medical officers have in all cases gone through a sufficient training in dental work to enable them to perform this duty satisfactorily; and whether, in view of Army Council Instruction 1122, of 1916, any order can be issued in any command or garrison authorising an inspection by dental officers to see if the dental inspection by the medical officer has been thorough and if his recommendations have been properly carried out?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The answer to all three parts of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part I may explain that dental surgeons are available in cases of doubt, and frequently carry out inspections where a special opinion is required.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked whether inspecting dental officers have been appointed in each command in this country; and, if so, whether they have authority to act on their own initiative or merely to report to the Deputy-Director of Medical Service and to act on instructions given by him?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Inspecting dental officers have been employed in commands at home since December, 1915. These officers carry out their duties under the instructions of Deputy or Assistant Directors of Medical Services, who are responsible to general officers commanding for the physical fitness of all soldiers. Subject to such general instructions, inspecting dental officers naturally act on their own initiative.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked whether any qualified dental surgeons have been or will be put into Labour battalions instead of being employed on Army dental work?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I know of no cases in which dental surgeons have been put into Labour units and, as far as I am aware, there is no intention of doing so.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked whether any Army Order exists forbidding the transfer of dental surgeons with combatant and other commissions to the dental service?

Mr. MACPHERSON

There is no Army Order forbidding such transfers, but so long as dental surgeons are available for commissions from the ranks it has not been the practice to transfer commissioned officers.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked how many British motor dental ambulances or lorries are in active operation on our various fronts; how many dental ambulances or lorries have been given or offered to the War Office; how many of such gifts or offers have been accepted and how many refused; and if any of such gifts accepted have not been used?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Four motor dental ambulances are in active operation at the front; —all in France. Five such ambulances have been offered and accepted, none have been refused. Four have been delivered, and, as far as we are aware, are in use. The fifth ambulance has not yet been received.