HC Deb 10 July 1916 vol 84 cc26-7
72. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will appoint a medical court of appeal to consider appeals from medical boards, in view of the number of men who have been passed by these boards who are proving unfit for the service they are called upon to give; and whether he will state the number of men belonging to the City of London Territorial regiments who, during the last three months, after being passed as fit by the medical boards have been returned as unfit for training after joining their units?

Mr. FORSTER

This proposal has been carefully considered on several occasions, but it is not considered desirable. It is not possible to state the number of men asked for in the last part of the question.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Will the hon. Gentleman give the approximate number? Would he be astonished to know that there are several hundreds?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes, Sir, very much astonished.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

It is so.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that most of these medical boards are simply a farce?