§ 42. Mr. Leachasked the Postmaster-General whether the ordinary rules relating to sick leave are applicable to employés of the Post Office suffering illness, or gratuities in case of death, resulting from the medical experiments now being carried out by the Royal College of Physicians on behalf of the Prophit Trust; and whether the staff concerned were informed of these particulars before being asked to volunteer for these tests?
§ The Postmaster-General (Major Tryon)The ordinary regulations would apply. It was not considered necessary to make any announcement on the subject to the staff.
§ Mr. LeachCan the Postmaster-General say what becomes of any employé of the Post Office who is adjudged under this experiment to be tubercular, notwithstanding the fact that such a judgment on the part of the people concerned would not be in the least degree reliable? Would he be dismissed?
§ Major TryonNo. If anybody as a result of this test is found to be suffering from tuberculosis, in its earlier stages, the man and his parents would be informed, but not the Department. On the other hand, the hon. Member will realise that if a case is discovered in its early stages it may be possible to save the man's life.
§ Major TryonNo, Sir.