§ Mr. GOULDasked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of medical practitioners employed by his Department and their average remuneration; whether they have to engage themselves to whole-time employment; and what supervision is exercised by his Department as to whether they are properly carrying out their duties?
§ Major TRYONThere are 549 medical officers in the whole-time service of the Ministry, of whom 253 are occupied locally 2605W in giving medical treatment at Ministry hospitals and clinics; the remainder are engaged on medical duties connected with the boarding and treatment of pensioners. The average rate of remuneration is £840 a year. These officers give the whole of their working day of eight hours to their duties; and in addition to the control exercised by their immediate superiors, their work is constantly reviewed and supervised by special inspectors from headquarters. Besides these whole-time officers, other medical men and specialists are employed as members of medical boards and in connection with medical and surgical treatment, and are remunerated on a fee basis.