asked whether it is proposed to take any further steps to stop the spread of infection by venereal poisons among British troops; whether there is any Army Order which forbids or discourages the necessary prophylactic medical measures; and whether it is proposed to issue an Army Order instructing Army medical officers of superior rank to take the necessary action as a part of their regular medical duties?

There is no Army Order authorising the use of such preventives or forbidding them. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that the time has arrived when the prejudices of purists in morality should no longer be allowed to diminish the effective man-power of the Army?

I think my hon. Friend would be the first to recognise that this is really a national question and not so much a military question.