§ Mr. Hastingsasked the Secretary of State for War what is the ratio of medical personnel to total personnel in the Army at the present time, six months ago, and a year ago, respectively.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe ratio of all ranks of the R.A.M.C. and the Nursing Services to total personnel in the British Army on 31st October, 1947, was 38.5 per 1,000. Corresponding figures for 31st May, 1947, and 30th November, 1946, were 35.4 per 1,000, and 35.6 per 1,000 respectively. The ratio of medical officers to total personnel in the Army on the same dates was, On 31st October, 1947, 3.5 per 1,000, on 31st May, 1947, 3.4 per 1,000, and on 30th November, 1946, 3.9 per 1,000. It should be realised, however, that the R.A.M.C. is responsible for the medical care of large numbers of Colonial troops80W and of civilians in overseas theatres, who are not included in the above figures. These additional commitments increase the total numbers for whom the R.A.M.C. is responsible at the present time by nearly one-third.