§ 35. Major GLAZEBROOKasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men who are known to be medically unfit are often retained with their units for a considerable length of time before receiving their discharge, and whether he will take steps to accelerate their discharge, with the object of saving the country the expense of their upkeep and at the same time increasing the productive power of the country by returning them to their civil occupations; and whether, in the case of groups shortly to be called up, orders will be given to the doctors concerned to reject without delay, after a most thorough examination, those whose fitness is doubtful?
§ Mr. TENNANTI have already stated that the Army Council are doing all they can to expedite the discharge from the Army of any men who are permanently unfit; the desirability of this is obvious. As regards the second part of the question, arrangements have been made for men of groups called up to be examined without delay as to their fitness by special recruiting medical boards, and the hon. Gentleman may rest assured that these boards will certainly not pass or reject any man without a most thorough examination.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSHow long does it take, when a man is to be discharged and his discharge is admitted, before he is released to go to the munition works?
§ Mr. TENNANTI cannot give a specific time.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSMore than two or three months?