§ 82. Mr. WINGasked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that Private R. H. O. Mears, 4th Battalion Hampshire Regiment, stationed at New-sham Park Camp, Northumberland, although recommended by the doctor for sick leave on account of illness contracted in the course of his military duties, failed to obtain such leave when it was found that he had not been inoculated against typhoid fever; whether soldiers are being informed that they cannot have leave unless they have been inoculated; and, if so, whether he will take steps to inform commanding officers that the absence of inoculation should not debar men from their proper privileges?
§ Mr. TENNANTI have had inquiry made, and I find that the statement that Private Mears was not granted leave owing to his not being inoculated is entirely without foundation. The medical officer did not recommend Mears for sick leave. He was informed that the preference as regards leave was given to men who had been inoculated, but there are, I understand, about 300 inoculated men who have had no leave.