HC Deb 30 November 1939 vol 355 cc269-70W
Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether he will advise local authorities that medical officers of an age which makes them likely to be called upon for military service and without practical experience of war wounds, should not be employed as deputy medical officers of health for air-raid precautions purposes, or placed in charge of first-aid posts?

Mr. Elliot

I do not think that I should be justified in giving detailed advice to local authorities in the sense indicated in the question. I believe that local authorities, guided by the advice of their medical officers of health, are employing suitable medical officers in these services.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that one of the members of a South London medical board is a retired practitioner of independent means living in the country; and whether he will see that his place is taken by one of the London practitioners with good war record who has already lost all means of livelihood owing to the exodus from London?

Mr. Elliot

I am not aware of the case to which the hon. Member refers. The only considerations governing the selection of medical practitioners to serve on civilian medical boards are their suitability and availability for the work.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the official equipment of first-aid posts contains no provision other than the floor for the accommodation of recumbent cases, whether adults or children, so that the best equipped aid-posts have had to invoke voluntary subscriptions for the provision of palliasses or matresses; and whether he will take steps to see that adequate provision is made in those aid-posts which are relying upon the official equipment?

Mr. Elliot

Stretcher cases would normally be taken to hospitals and not to first-aid posts, but adequate provision is made under the official scheme for recumbent cases at first-aid posts by stretchers and blankets issued to each scheme-making authority and by trestles which can be purchased out of the furniture allowance of £15 per post authorised by Air-Raid Precautions Department Circular No. 203/1939 of the 28th August.