§ 37. Mr. WATTasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether his attention has been called to the case of Cadet M'Arthur, No. 176693, who underwent an operation in Lewisham Hospital on 6th June of this year, and who was discharged from that hospital on 15th June, although admittedly unfit to be so treated, the medical officer there recommending him for ten days' leave of absence because of his condition; is he aware that at Hampstead this leave was refused and he was ordered on duty, and that within a few days he was dead; if so, will he say whether any censure has been passed on the medical officer at Hampstead; and whether it is proposed to offer any compensation to the parents for their loss?
§ Major BAIRDCadet M'Arthur was discharged from Lewisham Hospital on 17th June and was twice medically examined between that date and 22nd June, on which date he was drafted to the Cadet Brigade at St. Leonard's. He was not required to carry out any training duties between the time of his arrival there and the time of his admission to hospital. This case is very regrettable, but there was no connection between the minor operation which Cadet M'Arthur underwent at Lewisham and the attack of pneumonia which led to his untimely death.
§ Major BAIRDI have made very careful inquiries into the case. The two things are perfectly distinct, and apparently there was no connection between them. 3188 This cadet underwent a very small operation and was completely cured. After he was discharged he contracted pneumonia.