HC Deb 17 October 1916 vol 86 cc387-8
Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the present practice of discharging soldiers before everything that medical and surgical science can do for them has been done entails great hardship on the discharged soldier; whether the Army authorities will assume responsibility in future for the duty of restoring the soldier to health, as far as possible; and whether in the event of the Army authorities being unable to undertake this duty, the Statutory Committee or some other body will be equipped with an adequate and competent staff for the purpose?

Mr. FORSTER

I only received notice of this question this morning, and I am not prepared to make any detailed reply today. I can, however, assure the Noble Lord that the matter has received and is receiving sympathetic attention.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Is my hon. Friend aware that the delay is causing very great inconvenience and hardship to a great number of people?