§ 35. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, from October, 1929 to September, 1930, 66,717 men offered themselves for service in the Army and 52 per cent. were rejected on physical grounds; and will he say if his Department have done anything to find out what were the physical disabilities, so that steps could be taken to advise the House of Commons on adopting measures to improve the physical standard of our people?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI understand that the facts are as stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, my Department has obtained full 1138 information on this subject from the War Office and it will receive my careful consideration.
Earl WINTERTONHas the right hon. Gentleman seen a manifesto issued by a number of doctors stating, as one of the reasons for this deplorable physical condition and these deficiencies as to health and teeth, that they are due to the artificial foods eaten in this over-industrialised country; and will the right hon. Gentleman have that report considered by the appropriate experts in his Department?
§ Mr. GREENWOOD indicated assent.