§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health(1) whether any comprehensive scheme has yet been formulated and notified to all civilian members of the medical profession whereby their services are available, and their precise duties known, in case of emergency, whether due to air-raids or invasion?
(2) What are the plans for calling on civilian medical practitioners in case of emergency, including military operations in this country, which the Central Medical War Committee have announced as under consideration; and, in order to form these plans satisfactorily and efficiently, will he consult with the practical medical bodies such as the Medical Practitioners' Union?
§ Mr. E. BrownAs regards plans for utilising the services of civilian doctors in an emergency due to air raids, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Rochdale (Dr. Morgan) on 6th March. It is obviously impossible, however, to assign precise duties in advance to every civilian doctor. The plans for reinforcing the hospital and first-aid post services in the event of military operations in this country are, as announced in the medical press last month, being worked out in conjunction with the appropriate R.A.M.C. officers and also, in order to secure consultation with the practical medical bodies, with the secretaries of local medical war committees. I have every reason to believe that this procedure will produce satisfactory and efficient schemes.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health on how many occasions has the Advisory Emergency Hospital Service Committee met since the beginning of September, 1940; and how many of the members have attended all meetings?
1157W
§ Mr. BrownThe committee has met twice since the date mentioned. Nine of the members attended both meetings.