HC Deb 29 February 1916 vol 80 cc871-2
32. Mr. HOGGE

asked whether he can give the total number of men discharged to date on account of blindness, and their nationalities?

Mr. TENNANT

The total number of non commissioned officers and men discharged from the Army for blindness is 156, of whom 122 are English, 16 Irish, 15 Scotch, and 3 Welsh. There are also 9 British officers who have lost their sight at the front, of whom 6 are English, 2 Irish, and I Welsh. I am indebted for these figures to Mr. C. Arthur Pearson, the chairman of the Blinded Soldiers' and Sailors' Care Committee, who, as the House I am sure appreciates, has done admirable work on behalf of the blinded soldiers and sailors.

Colonel LOCKWOOD

These are cases of total blindness and not of one eye only?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes.