HC Deb 25 March 1926 vol 193 cc1383-4
76. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the physical and medical standard of the non-continuous service recruits is being lowered, seeing that present serving ratings who have previously passed the highest physical and medical tests are now being invalided in large numbers, the cause in the majority of cases not being attributable to naval service?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Davidson)

Assuming that the question refers to the physical and medical standards for special service seamen, it is not considered necessary to insist on quite the same high physical and medical standards for special service seamen as for long service ratings. The proportion of naval ratings who are invalided annually is quite small.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the curious effect this will have upon the Navy, and that it may involve grave financial loss if these men are invalided?

Mr. PALING

Is that not the cause of the percentage of rejections being so high?

Mr. DAVIDSON

No; it is one of the conditions of service.