HC Deb 28 November 1912 vol 44 cc1472-3
59. Mr. MILDMAY

asked whether C. G. Locke, lately serving in His Majesty's Navy, has recently been discharged from the Naval Hospital, Plymouth, as possibly tubercular and unfit for service; and whether the naval authorities will consider the possibility of satisfying themselves that a man, in need of the same, is in a position to get active surgical treatment directly he is discharged before he is got rid of in such manner?

Dr. MACNAMARA

C. G. Locke, A.B., was invalided from the Royal Navy on 7th November for tuberculous disease of the spinal column, and was discharged from Plymouth Hospital on 13th of November. Speaking generally, no men requiring active surgical treatment are discharged except at their own request. I understand, however, that Locke was not in need of active surgical treatment. It is certainly the desire of the Admiralty that any man suffering from tuberculosis should be placed in communication with the sanatorium authorities immediately on discharge from hospital, and the question of how effect can be given to this desire is at present engaging our attention.

Mr. MILDMAY

Was this man found by the authorities in Plymouth to be suffering from a disorder as a result of which he was in urgent need of treatment in a hospital?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I sent a query this morning on the point so that it might be cleared up. My advisers take it that he was not in need of it.