24. Captain HALLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that boys who have passed the educational test and two medical examinations for entry into the Navy are liable to rejection by a third medical examination on entry; and if he will see that the first medical test is made more thorough in order to avoid expense to parents and disappointment to boys?
§ Mr. AMMONI assume my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to boy artificers. These boys frequently volunteer to undergo a preliminary medical examination some time before taking the educational test. Those who pass this educational test undergo an official medical examination for entry into the Service, which is normally final. But those who join after a lapse of fourteen days or more are again medically examined on arrival in their ship or establishment.
Captain HALLIs my hon. Friend aware that his reply does not answer the question which I put? This first examination takes place, and then, within 14 days there is another examination, often with an entirely different result. Is not that unfair to the boy and to his parents, who have spent money on his education?
§ Mr. AMMONMy hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The boy need not take the first examination unless he likes; that is for his own convenience. If, following the official examination, he should join up after a lapse of 14 days, he will be required to undergo a second examination, but not if he joins up within 14 days.