§ 41. Mr. T. Smith (for Mr. Paling)asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many men have made application to join the Navy in the last 12 months for which figures are available; how many were accepted, and how many rejected on medical grounds?
§ Colonel LlewellinThe number of candidates who applied to enter the Royal Navy or Royal Marines, during the year ended 31st December, 1938, is 65,240. Of these, 15,428 were accepted for entry and 25,794 were rejected on medical grounds. A further 1,162 candidates were entered during this period mainly as a result of competitive examination, but figures are not available as to the number who applied to compete at these examinations.
§ Mr. SmithHas any inquiry been made as to why such a large number of young men should be rejected on medical grounds?
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, I can give some approximate figures to the House. Some 45 per cent. of the rejections were on grounds of eyesight, including colour blindness, 15 per cent. were on account of teeth, and 7½ per cent. for ear trouble.
§ Colonel LlewellinNone, Sir. We get some very good recruits for the Royal Navy both from North and South Ireland.
§ Mr. ThorneWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman refer that question of eyesight to the Minister of Education?
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, Sir.