§ Mr. Grovesasked the Home Secretary whether he will favourably consider imposing a condition in respect of those alien doctors of enemy nationality, including refugees, who have been and may be permitted to practise in Great Britain, that, when within the age-groups of British subjects compulsory called up for service, the continuance of their permit is contingent upon their undertaking some 427W form of national service and upon their not practising to the prejudice of the absentee British doctors?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have no doubt that the majority, if not all, of the foreign doctors would be willing to undertake some form of national service in their own profession, but my information is that the medical profession would not look with favour upon this proposal. In pursuance of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1940, these foreign doctors, like other people, may be required to place their services at the disposal of His Majesty, and there will be power to utilise their services in any way which may be found appropriate in the national interest.