§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state the number of men discharged from the Navy during the years 1899 to 1908 suffering from tuberculosis; whether, on their discharge, any provision for the treatment of the disease in a home or hospital was made by his Department on their behalf; and whether any money grant was made to such men?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe number of officers and men finally invalided from the service (including Marines) for tuberculosis for the years 1899 to 1908 is 2,673, made up as follows: 1899, 207; 1900, 165; 1901, 232; 1902, 288; 1903, 334; 1904, 353; 1905, 331; 1906, 214; 1907, 266; 1908, 283. No special provision is made for their treatment on their discharge in a home or hospital. They are paid gratuities or pensions, according to their service, under the ordinary Regulations.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLAre all these men medically examined before being accepted for service?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir; all the men before being accepted for service are medically examined.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLMay I ask whether any notification is sent out by the Admiralty to the medical officers of the towns to which they go when they are discharged?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is uncertain to which towns they may be going. I do not think any notification is sent to the medical officers of any particular towns.
§ Mr. RENWICKDo the Admiralty make any inquiries before the men are discharged, as to whether they have any homes to which to go, or whether they have any means to enable them to get the necessary treatment for their disease?
§ Mr. McKENNAThere has been no change in the practice of the Admiralty in that respect for a great many years.
§ Mr. RENWICKThen they are simply sent adrift without any consideration as to their future?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir; the hon. Gentleman would be entirely wrong in taking it that way.