§ Mr. Grovesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Circular No. 2315, 63/1941, authorises the employment of doctors of enemy alien nationality at hospitals and similar institutions where members of His Majesty's Forces receive treatment, and whether, in future, he will arrange that such doctors do not practise in protected areas or other places where members of the Forces receive treatment?
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Mr. JohnstonThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department concurred in the terms of the circular referred to, and, together with the competent military authority where necessary, is consulted on each individual case under the circular. In view of this safeguard and the stringent conditions laid down in the circular itself, both my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, who has adopted the same policy and procedure in this matter, and I are satisfied that no general restriction of the kind proposed by the hon. Member is required, particularly in view of the heavy demands now being made on British practitioners for both Service and civilian needs.