To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration is being given to the use of the SeQual Eclipse Oxygen System in British ambulance systems in theatre. (204606)

There are no plans to replace the current oxygen system used by battlefield ambulances deployed on operations as this meets our present requirements. However, we do monitor developing technology for future applications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many consultants in infectious disease and tropical medicine were retained by the British military establishment at the latest date for which figures are available. (200947)

Currently the Defence Medical Services have one consultant in infectious disease and one in microbiology/communicable disease control. In addition, there are four medical officers undergoing higher professional training (specialist registrars) in various aspects of infectious disease.

The Army ensures that all its young doctors attend a tropical medicine course which ensures a level of knowledge well above that within the NHS.

The MOD has also introduced funding for the Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene which is now taken by most trainees in all branches of internal medicine, giving greatly enhanced skills in this area.