§ 35. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked when the recorders at Devonport Dockyard may expect a reply to their petition?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question is still under consideration, and I hope that a decision may be arrived at shortly.
§ 36. Mr. W. THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Civil Service Commissioners have recently imposed a more severe medical test on men employed in the dockyards who are candidates for the established list; whether he is aware that the severity of this test has resulted in the rejection of men with over twenty years' service, one case being that of a man with twenty-five years' service, during the whole of which time his absence through sickness did not exceed three weeks; whether the increased severity of the test has been sanctioned by 1007 the Admiralty; and whether the matter will be reconsidered and a medical test imposed which will not reject men who have by long and constant service proved their fitness?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am not aware that the actual medical examination has been made more severe, but my hon. Friend no doubt refers to the fact that details of the candidates' medical history have now to be given in accordance with the general practice in the case of candidates for admission to the permanent service of the Crown. Whilst I can give no undertaking in the matter, I will consider the points put forward by my hon. Friend, and if he cares to give me details of any particular case, I will have them investigated.