§ 3. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Minister of Pensions whether he has recently been receiving complaints regarding the treatment by regional boards of cases of 537 ex-soldiers suffering from neurasthenia; whether he is aware that men suffering from periodic outbreaks of acute neurasthenia and collapse have been marked fit for work by regional boards and, on attempting to work in machine shops, have proved a danger to themselves and their fellow workers; and whether he will issue instructions to all regional directors to take greater care in dealing with these cases and to follow up such men's medical history more carefully?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONComplaints regarding the treatment of neurasthenics by Medical Boards are occasionally received and have in every instance proved on investigation to be without foundation. I have no information that would in any way support the suggestion in the second part of the question, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars of any specific cases he has in mind, I shall be glad to inquire into them at once. Instructions have already been issued to Medical Boards pointing out the difficulties attending the examination of neurasthenics; and the members of the Special Boards which examine these cases are selected not only for their knowledge of this particular disease, but also for their tact and consideration in dealing with this type of pensioner.