asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the shortage of doctors in Northern Ireland, he will release doctors who volunteered their services for the duration of the war at the earliest possible moment, as their services are urgently required in civil life.

The question of the acceleration of the release of doctors from the Services is at present under urgent con-consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the relatively high proportion of medical officers retained with the services and the relatively low proportion of doctors available for the civilian population, he will press for a release of such medical officers, specialists and otherwise, when their age and service group becomes due.

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Sutton Cold field (Sir J. Mellor) on 9th October, of which I am sending him a copy.