§ 110 and 111. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Health (1) whether, in view of His Majesty's Government's decision to reduce the size of the Services, he will reduce the age limit of medical and graded specialists who are now liable to be conscripted up to the age of 40, in view of the shortage of specialists in civil life;
(2) if, in view of the large reduction in the size of the three Services, he will accelerate the release of doctors and dentists now serving with the forces; and if he will assure the House that there is a proportionate reduction in the number of those who are now conscripted in view of the shortage of doctors and dentists in civilian practice.
§ Mr. John EdwardsMy right hon. Friend is advised on the recruitment and release of doctors by the Medical Priority Committee under the chairmanship of my hon. Friend the Member for North Islington (Dr. Guest). I am awaiting their advice on the effect of the recently announced reductions in the size of the Forces. As regards dentists, the position is to be examined by my Department with representatives of the Services and the dental profession later this week.