§ Lord BALCARRES (for Mr. Nield)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether John S. Barnard was medically examined before being allowed to enlist in the Royal Marine Light Infantry on or about 26th September, 1896; if so, whether he was passed as sound; when first was he found to be suffering from melancholia; do the medical reports on that or any subsequent occasion indicate the cause of the attack or any circumstances which would account for it; and will he furnish a copy of all the medical reports under the control of the Admiralty relating to this man?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn reply to a former question of the hon. Gentleman, the First Lord of the Admiralty stated that there is nothing in the official records to indicate that this man has ever suffered from sunstroke, and the medical reports show that his invaliding for melancholia was not in any way attributable to service causes. In reply to the present question, I have to say that Barnard was enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry in September, 1896. He was first found to be suffering from melancholia in September, 1899. The medical reports gave no indication whatever on that occasion, or on any subsequent occasion, as to the cause of the attack, and no circumstances are recorded which would account for it. I am afraid I cannot accede to the request put forward in the last part of the question.