§ 19. Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that specialist medical officers recently called into the Army are being sent home for six to eight weeks to await posting to overseas commands and that specialist medical officers now serving overseas are having their release groups retarded on the ground of shortage of replacements; and if he will have the whole position of employment of specialist medical officers investigated.
§ Mr. LawsonDrafts of specialist medical officers are normally despatched at monthly intervals, the date of each draft being adjusted to ensure that all the40W officers comprising it receive 14 days embarkation leave after their primary training. Occasionally, the despatch of officers is delayed, either because of shipping difficulties or because of late notice of alterations in overseas requirements; but such cases are exceptional and do not materially affect the position of officers now overseas who are awaiting release. In certain theatres, and in respect of certain special subjects, the release of these officers has been retarded, but this is primarily due to the difficulty of obtaining replacements from the civilian profession.