HC Deb 12 July 1928 vol 219 cc2459-60
66. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that out of 1,359 naval ratings invalided from the service in 1927 only in 180 cases was the invaliding disability attributable to service, and as this is a cause of disquietude among the petty officers and men of the Royal Navy and non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Marines, who have to pass a high physical standard before entry in the Navy, he will give further consideration to the establishment of an independent appeal tribunal?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

This matter has quite recently been very fully and carefully considered in all its aspects, and I regret that I am unable to recommend any alteration of the present system.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Is it not a fact that in the Debate in this House the unanimous view was expressed that this appeal tribunal should be established, and has the hon. and gallant Gentleman considered this matter since that Debate?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I should dispute the fact that the opinion of the House was unanimous on that subject, and it is since that date that the decision has been arrived at.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman recall the name of any single Member of this House who spoke against it? Is he aware that everyone spoke in favour of it?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I should not accept that myself.

Commander WILLIAMS

Can my hon. and gallant Friend tell the House what was the sickness in respect of which most of these people were invalided out?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I cannot say off-hand, but I should say that it was tuberculosis. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me further notice, I will give him an answer.

Mr. HAYES

Was this matter considered by the Board of Admiralty or by an independent medical board?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The Board of Admiralty considered the subject and consulted an independent medical board on the whole subject—not as to the tribunal of course.

Sir B. FALLE

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether this is the decision of the Admiralty alone relating to the three services?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The decision of the Admiralty refers to the Navy.

Sir B. FALLE

And this is the sole decision of the Admiralty?