HC Deb 14 February 1962 vol 653 c163W
98. Sir M. Stoddart-Scott

asked the Minister of Defence if he will consider amalgamating the hospital services in the three defence Services in order to reduce the number of nurses, physiotherapists, remedial gymnasts, and pharmacists required for the Forces.

Mr. Watkinson

There is already close co-ordination of the hospital services of the Armed Forces and after study I do not think that amalgamating them would significantly reduce the numbers of hospital staffs required.

99. Sir M. Stoddart-Scott

asked the Minister of Defence if he will consider setting up a single medical service for the three defence services in order to economise in medical and dental manpower.

Mr. Watkinson

The possibility of amalgamating the medical services of the Armed Forces into a single unit has been considered on a number of occasions in the past and has always been rejected. I am not satisfied that such an amalgamation would be in the interests either of economy or of efficiency.