§ 77. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Post master-General if Staff Quartermaster-Sergeant Stickney, who has been rejected for a Post Office situation on the alleged grounds of ill-health, was examined by a Post Office medical officer, or if he was rejected by the chief medical officer to the Post Office solely on the particulars furnished by the War Office; and, in view of Mr. Stickney's treatment by the War Office because he claimed his rights under the Vaccination Acts, will he have him personally examined by a Post Office medical officer?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)Mr. Stickney's Army medical history was reviewed by the chief medical officer to the Post Office, in whose opinion it left no room for doubt as to his unsuitability for the position of established postman. I do not think that there is any ground for a medical examination.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs it not a fact that since this man left the Army he has been examined by three independent medical men who have certified him as suitable; and further whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that this man was persecuted in the Army because he claimed exemption under the Vaccination Act; and is he aware that the bona fides of the reports of these medical men have not been challenged?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELAs to the bona pries of these medical reports, the question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for War. I have no knowledge of this man's history whilst in the Army, but I accepted the chief medical officer's opinion as to his unsuitability for the position of established postman. The chief medical officer formed his opinion upon this man's history in the Army, which showed he had had a recurrence of various diseases which, in the opinion of the medical officer, rendered him un-suited for the work of a postman.
§ Mr. C. DUNCANDid the chief medical officer of the Post Office examine thi3 man himself?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo. I understand he had the records before him, extending over a number of years, showing the ailments this man had had.
§ Mr. C. DUNCANBut surely when the man was there he ought to have examined him.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo. Disease might not be apparent. It might be a recurring disease.