§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the wastage of specialist manpower in the Forces, in particular of orthopaedic and surgical specialists; and whether he will consider the early release of graded and recognised specialists in the Forces, who are specialists only by virtue of recognition by the Forces Medical Directorates and who, on reversion to civil life, will require to secure the higher qualifications in their special branch if they are to continue civil specialist practice.
§ Mr. LawsonI am not aware of any wastage of specialists in the Army. Cases which have been investigated have shown that the officers were essential because of the distances involved. I am not prepared to single out Army trained specialists for early release, as that would break down the basis of release by age and service group priority. Officers desirous of obtaining higher qualifications may apply for assistance on their release under the Government's Scheme of post graduate medical education for ex-Service medical officers, or under the further education and training scheme.