Lieut. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the number of doctors in the Royal Navy who are now redundant and are anxious to take up civilian practice; 779W and whether, in view of the shortage of doctors in the country, he will secure their early release.
§ Mr. W. J. EdwardsI am aware that a number of doctors in the Royal Navy are anxious to take up civilian practice, but my right hon. Friend cannot accept the suggestion that there are doctors in the Navy who are redundant. Doctors will be released as rapidly as possible; Age and Service Group 20 should be reached by the end of this year, and up to Group 30 by the end of June, 1946.