HC Deb 08 January 1942 vol 377 cc68-9W
Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to ensure that, in the case of invasion, casualties are not concentrated in towns which from the general situation appear to be particularly liable to enemy attack?

Mr. E. Brown

The policy of transferring casualties to hospitals outside what are considered to be target areas is already well known to my hospital officers and to others operating the casualty services, but this policy must of course be subject to the exigencies of military operations at the time.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether, in case of invasion, civilian motor-ambulances will be permitted to attempt to traverse country which may be, in part, commanded by parachutists, or other enemy troops or be exposed to enemy air attacks?

Mr. Brown

The operation of civilian motor ambulances in the circumstances stated in the Question must necessarily depend on the local military situation at the time. The plans for the treatment of casualties take account of the possibility that the movement of these vehicles may be interrupted.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether steps have been taken to make sure that sufficient supplies of morphia are available to general medical practitioners to meet the needs of any exceptional numbers of casualties?

Mr. Brown

This is a matter which has always had the closest attention. Adequate and well-distributed stocks are in hand, and I know of no ground for any fear of shortage.